Error correction techniques for speaking 1 Error Correction Techniques

Error correction techniques for speaking 2 Dealing with errors I never let my students make mistakes. If they say anything wrong, I stop them and make them say it correctly. I don’t want them to learn bad English from each other. I correct my students sometimes, but not all the time. If we’re practicing one particular language point, then I insist that they say it correctly. But if we’re doing a freer activity then I try not to correct too much. If I do correct students, I try to do it in an encouraging way. I try to correct errors as little as possible. I want my students to express themselves in English without worrying too much about making mistakes. Sometimes I notice points that everyone gets wrong, and deal with them later – but I never interrupt students to correct them. How do YOU deal with errors in your class? strictmediumeasy-going

Error correction techniques for speaking 3 Repetition drills Controlled dialogues Warm-ups Roleplays Speaking to a group Pairwork Picture descriptions Surveys

Error correction techniques for speaking 4 Learning correct structures Ability to communicate freely using structures ACCURACYFLUENCY Communicative language teaching “Learning about the language” “Learning to use the language”

Error correction techniques for speaking 5 Error correction Common mistakes – many people in the class are making same mistake Uncommon mistakes – only 1 or 2 people are making this mistake Mistakes using target language Mistakes using language studied in previous units Mistakes using more advanced language that Ss have not yet studied Big mistakes that caused a block in communication Which mistakes should the teacher correct? Which mistakes shouldn’t the teacher correct?

Error correction techniques for speaking 6 Error correction Indicating an error Without words! HAND FACE

Error correction techniques for speaking 7 Error correction My friend COME yesterday? Nearly – think about the tense Almost correct – there’s a problem with the 3 rd word My friend come yesterday Mmm, not come, but… With words! My friend came yesterday

Error correction techniques for speaking 8 Error correction My friend come yesterday 1. My 2. friend yesterday My friend came yesterday. With fingers!

Error correction techniques for speaking 9 Error correction Unnecessary wordMissing wordWrong word LinkingWord order I went early home

Error correction techniques for speaking 10 Common teacher concern

Error correction techniques for speaking 11 Error correction 1.Inform Ss you will deal with mistakes at the end of the activity, not during. 2.Go round listening to Ss, but don’t correct anyone! Instead, write down errors you hear on a piece of paper. Recommended correction procedure

Error correction techniques for speaking 12 Error correction Common mistakes – many people in the class are making same mistake Uncommon mistakes – only 1 or 2 people are making this mistake Mistakes using target language Mistakes using language studied in previous units Mistakes using more advanced language that Ss have not yet studied Big mistakes that caused a block in communication Make notes of the following types of mistakes :

Error correction techniques for speaking 13 Error correction DO : Listen discreetly Provide encouragement DON’T : Stand “over” Ss Interrupt unless “emergency”

Error correction techniques for speaking 14 Error correction 3. Write errors on board. Recommended correction procedure CHOICE 1 Write 5-8 sentences all containing errors that you heard. CHOICE 2 Write 4 “wrong” sentences & 4 “good” sentences you heard. Briefly comment on successful use of language & interesting ideas you heard

Error correction techniques for speaking 15 Error correction 4. Students work in pairs or groups to correct errors. Recommended correction procedure

Error correction techniques for speaking 16 Error correction 5. Select pairs / groups to tell you answers. Before confirming whether answer is correct or not, ask rest of class whether they agree or disagree. Get different opinions before revealing answer. Recommended correction procedure

Error correction techniques for speaking 17 Error correction 6. Keep this list of common mistakes for a future lesson. It could be reviewed later or included in a mid-term test! Recommended correction procedure

Error correction techniques for speaking 18 Summary 1.Inform Ss you will deal with mistakes at the end of the activity, not during. 2.Monitor Ss, write down errors you hear. 3.Write errors on the board. 4.Ss work in pairs / groups to correct errors. 5.Select pairs / groups to tell you answers & answer any further qs Ss may have. 6.Keep list for future test / revision.