Iranian EFL Teachers’ and Learners’ Perceptions of Web-Based Dynamic Assessment (WDA) for Writing Skill

Abstract

Web-based dynamic assessment (WDA) is a new approach for writing assessment that merges the elements of dynamic assessment with the potentials of web-based technologies. But, in spite of increasing popularity of technology use in writing education worldwide, having a glance at Iranian educational system shows that still traditional teaching methods and techniques are prevalent in teaching writing in many educational settings. This qualitative study aimed to explore Iranian EFL teachers’ and learners’ perceptions of WDA for writing skill using Grounded Theory Method (GTM). The participants included two groups of Iranian EFL teachers and learners who were selected through convenience sampling. The required data was collected through a semi-structured interview and an open-ended questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted through thematic analysis. According to the results, the following themes were extracted for Iranian EFL teachers’ perceptions of web-based dynamic assessment (WDA) for writing skill: Using E-Mail to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, Using Write & Improve to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, Using Word Vice to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, Using Google Docs to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, etc. Moreover, the following themes were extracted for Iranian EFL learners’ perceptions: Using Word Wall to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, Using Quill Bot to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, Using Social Networks Like Instagram, Eitaa, WhatsApp and Telegram to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, Using Screen Casting to Teach and Assess Students’ Writing Skill, etc. The results have some implications for EFL teachers, learners and curriculum planners.