Advancing research in second language writing through computational tools and machine learning techniques : A research agenda

Scott A. Crossley Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia USA scrossleygsu.edu Abstract: This paper provides an agenda for replication studies focusing on second language (L2) writing and the use of natural language processing (NLP) tools and machine learning algorithms. Specifically, the paper introduces a variety of available NLP tools and machine learning algorithms and demonstrates how these tools and algorithms could be used to replicate seminal studies in L2 writing that concentrate on longitudinal writing development, predicting essay quality, examining differences between L1 and L2 writers, the effects of writing topics, and the effects of writing tasks. The paper concludes with implications for the recommended replication studies in the field of L2 writing and the advantages of using NLP tools and machine learning algorithms.