Erer Korrection

Error Correction
 Errors…

What..? Why…?

…errors do learners make? …do they happen?

When…? How…?

..should we correct them? …can we correct them?

 What type of error?
Problem with… …
a. word stress • 5
b. intonation • 4
c. word order • 6
d. choice of words • 3
e. register • 2
f. verb form • 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…

accuracy

fluency
 How to correct…
Method
Teacher prompts using Teacher asks a question eg to check
terminology, eg ‘grammar’, meaning
‘tense’, etc
Teacher repeats until the point of Reformulation
error e.g. Yesterday you...

Finger correction Delayed correction

 How to correct…
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Teacher Easy to use. Learners need to be familiar
prompts Indicates error type. with terminology.

Teacher repeats Quick & easy. T needs to use gesture &

Indicates precisely where intonation well – correction
error is. not communication.

Finger Very clear indication of Only works with short

correction where error is. utterances.
Flexible – word in, word out, Takes practice to become
run words together, etc. confident.
 How to correct…
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Teacher uses Good way to discover Questions need to be clear &
questions intended meaning easy to answer to avoid
Repairs communication confusion
Reformulation Quick & easy May have little impact –
Maintains flow of learners may not notice
communication correction.

Delayed Does not interfere with Less impact – “served cold”

correction communication
T has time to prepare
 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?