Applying a Computer-Assisted Tool for Semantic Analysis of Writing: Uses for STEM and ELL.

ABSTRACT: In addition to human, close reading of student text with rubrics for assessment, educators use nonhuman, distant computer-assisted tools to help quantitatively measure otherwise qualitative keywords to prevent bias in grading and help read beyond the sentence for underlying cognitions. We apply the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software tool to analyze different forms of student writing used in STEM education and research to assess writing of native English speakers and non-native English Language Learners (ELLs), including international students. Available in several languages, LIWC measures four summary variables, Analytical Thinking, Clout, Authentic, and Emotional Tone, to provide outputs as raw word counts, as percentages of words used relative to the text compared with a d

SUBMITTER: Smith-Keiling BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6508918 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature