Erer Korrection

Error Correction

Errors…

What..?What..? Why…?Why…?

When…?When…? How…?How…?

…do they happen?

..should we correct them?

…errors do learners make?

…can we correct them?

What type of error?

Problem with…a. word stressb. intonationc. word orderd. choice of wordse. registerf. verb form

…• 5• 4• 6• 3• 2• 1

Why do learners make errors?

Why do learners make errors?

• Transfer of systems from L1• Overgeneralise in making

hypotheses about application of rules• Fossilisation: learners get stuck and

continue to use incorrect forms• Learners don’t know rules but try

anyway• Slips due to hurry, tiredness, etc.

When to correct…

• Will it help or hinder learning?• Am I correcting something that they

haven’t learnt yet?• How will the student take the

correction?• What is my intention in correcting?

When to correct…

accuracyaccuracy

fluencyfluency

How to correct…

MethodTeacher prompts using terminology, eg ‘grammar’, ‘tense’, etc

Teacher asks a question eg to check meaning

Teacher repeats until the point of error e.g. Yesterday you...

Reformulation

Finger correction Delayed correction

How to correct…Method Advantages Disadvantages

Teacher prompts

Easy to use.Indicates error type.

Learners need to be familiar with terminology.

Teacher repeats

Quick & easy.Indicates precisely where error is.

T needs to use gesture & intonation well – correction not communication.

Finger correction

Very clear indication of where error is.Flexible – word in, word out, run words together, etc.

Only works with short utterances.Takes practice to become confident.

How to correct…

Method Advantages Disadvantages

Teacher uses questions

Good way to discover intended meaningRepairs communication

Questions need to be clear & easy to answer to avoid confusion

Reformulation

Quick & easyMaintains flow of communication

May have little impact – learners may not notice correction.

Delayed correction

Does not interfere with communicationT has time to prepare

Less impact – “served cold”

Errors…

• Do you feel the same about errors as when you started?

• Which quote do you most agree with now?

• How would you best summarise your attitude to errors?