The Effect of Performance Goals and AI-Feedback Timing on Writing Accuracy and Motivation among Iranian EFL Learners

This research investigates how the integration of performance goals and timing feedback influences AI-generated feedback in enhancing writing accuracy and motivation among learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). As AI tools become more prevalent in language education, understanding how learners' goal orientations—whether mastery or performance—and the timing of feedback—immediate or delayed—affect learning outcomes is essential. The study employed a controlled experimental design, assigning EFL students to either performance-approach or mastery-approach goals before they received AI feedback on their writing tasks. Feedback was delivered either right after task completion or after a delay. Writing accuracy was measured through the Analytic Writing Rubric Scale, while motivation was assessed using the Writing Motivational questionnaires (combined Self Determination Theory (SDT) & Gardner Attitude/ Motivation Test Battery (AMTB). The findings indicated that students with mastery goals who received immediate feedback based on an AI-powered tool experienced the most significant improvement in writing accuracy, suggesting that an intrinsic focus on learning, paired with prompt feedback, fosters skill development and also increases their motivation towards writing. In contrast, those with performance goals showed less benefit from delayed feedback, implying that extrinsic motivation might lower the effectiveness of postponed corrections. Additionally, motivation levels were generally higher among groups receiving immediate feedback, underscoring the critical role of timely feedback in maintaining learner engagement. The results stress the importance for educators and AI system developers to address both psychological factors and feedback delivery methods to fully leverage the advantages of AI-assisted language learning. This study adds to the expanding research on personalized feedback strategies and offers practical insights for improving writing instruction in EFL settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

performance goals ، Mastery goals ، feedback timing ، Artificial Intelligence-generated feedback ، writing Accuracy ، motivation