Yucheng Sheng, Malini Ganapathy, Yifang Gao, Ye Zeren, Cailian Xi, Dongxue Han
Automated writing feedback systems are prevalent, yet most deliver static, fragmented comments that provide limited scaffolding for revision. This study evaluates the STEP-DWCF-R framework (Structured, Tiered, Evidence-driven Process for Dynamic Written Corrective Feedback with Robotic AI Agent), in which AI-generated feedback, moderated by a teacher, is delivered via a robotic AI agent across multiple iterative rounds within a one-week task cycle. In an eight-week quasi-experimental trial, 32 EFL learners were randomized to either traditional written corrective feedback (one round per task) or STEP-DWCF-R. Both groups completed IELTS Task 2 essays at baseline and post-test, which were anonymized, randomized, and scored by two independent raters (ICC = 0.86-0.93). Linear mixed-effects models demonstrated that the STEP-DWCF-R group exhibited significantly greater gains in overall band score (Δ = 1.03 vs. 0.31 bands) and across all four analytic dimensions, with the largest improvement observed in Coherence and Cohesion. Process data indicated that STEP-DWCF-R learners completed an average of 2.26 revision rounds per task, with error counts decreasing linearly across rounds. These findings suggest that the integrated STEP-DWCF-R framework, encompassing AI-generated feedback, teacher moderation, and iterative robotic AI agent delivery, is associated with greater IELTS writing improvement than traditional single-round feedback, pointing to practical applications for AI-enhanced dynamic feedback in EFL contexts.