ComputersAndEducation_vol39_pp37-50.pdf (192.37 kB)
Assessing aspects of children's written grammar: automating the process
journal contribution
posted on 2006-08-31, 09:46 authored by C.E. Holdich, Richard Holdich, Paul ChungTeachers are expected to make regular assessments of pupils' writing, providing feedback about their strengths and weaknesses. If the computer could assist teachers in this task by effectively analysing the grammar element in children's writing, then the teacher's work load would be significantly reduced. A computer generated 'text analysis' of grammatical features would have the benefit of providing diagnostic information systematically and efficiently. Although text analysis is not new, it is generally restricted to applications aimed at adults. The development of a quantitative text analysis program, specifically geared to analysing children's writing was therefore considered profitable. This required an understanding of the development of children's writing abilities and the criteria of the National Curriculum levels of attainment for the Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs). Ten grammar features were selected for analysis. Stories reflecting the spread of attainment associated with the end of Key Stage 2 were analysed. The computer successfully distinguished positive and negative grammar features within these texts. Nevertheless, an assessment of qualitative genre details made by teachers will still be required, in order to provide a balanced assessment which includes all elements that contribute to effective writing.
History
School
- Science
Department
- Computer Science
Pages
161841 bytesCitation
HOLDICH, C.E., HOLDICH, R.G. and CHUNG, P.W.H., 2003. Assessing aspects of children's written grammar: automating the process. Computers & Education, 39 (1), pp. 37-50Publisher
© ElsevierPublication date
2003Notes
This article was published in the journal Computers & education [© Elsevier] and is also available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03601315ISSN
0360-1315Language
- en