Correct Errors in EFL
Correcting Student Errors in EFL
When and how to correct students errors in the EFL classroom is an issue of concern for every EFL teacher. What should we correct, when should we correct it, and how should it be corrected?
How do we give students the feedback they need and want to improve without damaging fluency and motivation?
Research Suggests . . .
Research tends to indicate that three types of errors should be addressed: high frequency errors, stigmatizing errors, and errors that block meaning or the understanding by the listener. I might add another: errors in using the target language of the lesson.
When and how should these errors be corrected? There is, unfortunately, no conclusive evidence/research about these issues.
Research seems to indicate that the most effective ways to deal with errors and offer corrections seem to include:
When hearing an error, speak the corrected statement
Listen for errors and make a general review of them at the end of the activity segment
Encourage peer correction
Correct the student personally (use this less than the other methods)
Balancing Fluency vs. Accuracy
EFL teachers always need to be careful of the balance between fluency (ability to speak quickly and smoothly without much thought) and accuracy (ability to speak in a grammatically correct manner).
There is a tension between fluency and accuracy, where too much desire or struggle for accuracy denies a student fluency. And too much emphasis on fluency can result in spoken gibberish that follows no rules at all.
Teachers need to stay tuned in to how their students are doing and attempt to keep a good balance of fluency vs. accuracy in the classroom. Not an easy task, but generally, in a speaking or conversation class, error on the side of fluency. In a writing class, error on the side of accuracy.
TED’s Tips™ #1: Give careful thought to the methods you will use in correcting student errors. It is important enough to even be a part of your lesson plan.
TED’s Tips™ #2: Your approach to correcting errors needs to reflect the skill levels and educational history of your students.
If they have studied in a highly punitive environment, then work more on fluency as they will likely be hesitant to speak at all. If they come from a liberal “anything goes” environment then you may need to stress accuracy.
Tags: Correcting Errors in EFL ESL, EFL Error Correction, EFL ESL Error Correction, Error Correction in ESL
Uncategorized | Ted | 
October 7, 2009 8:56 pm
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