
Large Indonesian EFL writing classes often struggle to provide timely, detailed teacher feedback. Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) offers rapid responses, but its role in academic writing remains unclear. This mixed-method study compared AWE-led feedback with teacher feedback in a 10-week Indonesian undergraduate writing course and proposed a Hybrid AWE–Teacher Feedback Model. A PRISMA-guided review informed feedback design. The empirical phase used a cluster-randomized trial (N = 88; four classes): two received AWE feedback (Grammarly), and two received teacher feedback. Writing quality was measured by pre/post essays, and engagement was measured by revision logs, questionnaires, and interviews. Both groups improved. AWE produced greater gains in language use, vocabulary, and revision frequency, and higher post-test scores. Teacher feedback contributed more to idea development and rhetorical clarity. The results point to a staged strategy: use AWE for early, frequent revision, and reserve teacher feedback for higher-order concerns in writing.