Effective Error Correction:

How Students Can Become Independent

Learners Through Self-Correction

How do you typically handle student errors in writing in your class?

Dear Sir I write for to complain about a product I

bought form your catalog. The last week I ordered a black glasses from your carolog. When I opened the package was damage. For this reason I want to change the product but if it isn´t possible I want a refund.I hope your anser, please contact me.

Love Pearlie

Student errors are important

They are a natural and unavoidable part of language learning

It is important that the teacher sets this mood. If students are afraid of making errors they are less likely to produce lanuage and make progress.

To correct or not to correct?

No Some researchers agree

that error correction is…– Ineffective– Harmful to student

development of fluency– Difficult for teachers to

carry out effectively– A waste of time– Works against learners’

developmental order of language learning

Yes Others argue that error

correction…– Prevents fossilized errors– Gives students the ability

to self-edit and become independent learners

– Helps students understand the form and function of the language that they are learning

When and how to correct

Researchers’ opinions vary considerably but one should consider:

Impact on Fluency Relevance and developmental sequences Student learning style Mistakes vs. Errors Affective Filter

Role of student correction

The active involvement of students in the process of dealing with errors is important:

It promotes active learning It develops a cooperative atmosphere It creates independent learners

Ideas for student correction

Self Editing: Create a framework with Guidance

Peer Editing: Framework is also essential Interactive Games: Use anonymous students

responses that exemplify common student errors

Correction Key

T V G WW WO SP SUB?

Student self check list / Rubrics

Irregular past tense? Does my verb have a subject? Do I change my tenses?

Set Phrases

I hope to hear form you soon

I´m writing to complain

Grammar Auction

1. Michael Jackson was one of best known figures in the world. 2. He had been in many scandals, rumors, family fights and career

flops.3. He was born in 1958 and begun performing at the age of four.4. He had been in the public eye ever since childhood.5. He was the youngest member of the Jackson Five which had

numerous hits. 6. By the age of ten, the group been signed to Motown Records.7. He then went on to release the hugely success album ‘Thriller’.8. The more famous he became, the more outlandish the rumors

about him became.

Error Correction Running Dictation

1. I like swim.

2. I want to learning English.

3. I enjoy to go out on the weekends.

4. I like to go to shopping.

5. I agree that write is difficult

Run to a Side

1. I must to go home.2. If I will have time, I will go. 3. I was born in the US.4. He told to me his problem.5. He said that he was hungry.6. What song do you prefer? 7. I went to shopping yesterday. 8. I very much like the flowers. 9. I am working here since February.1o. I should stop smoking.

Too Many Words

1. I am learning English because I am to studying law and when2. I will finish my course, I would like to work for a big company. 3. Possibly, I will be continue my studies in Britain or the U.S.A.4. To do either of these things, it is important to reach at a certain5. level of English. I must to study very hard.6. My parents want me to be go to a good school. I want them to

be7. proud of me. When I will work hard, I do well in my exams.8. My parents often tell to me to have fun and work hard.

Recommended Websites

http://www.eslsite.com/resources/pages/Resources_and_Teaching_Ideas/Error_Correction/index.html

www.eslcafe.com http://esl.about.com/