Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Giving Correction and Feedback

In This Chapter

▶ Sorting out which errors matter

▶ Using gestures to correct

▶ Having students correct themselves

▶ Using students to correct other students

▶ Giving your class feedback

▶ Correcting written work

▶ Giving tests

A

ll language learners make mistakes. It’s part of the learning process.

But what should you do about them? In this chapter I tell you about the

different kinds of error students make and various techniques for handling

them.

Knowing What to Correct and When

There seems to be little disagreement that students ought to receive correc-

tion in the classroom. They expect it, and teachers rightly feel the need to

take action when students get it wrong.

Of course, in the real world outside the classroom, people make errors all the

time and still communicate effectively. And even though you teach English,

you generally don’t interrupt them, especially as this may come across as

rude and actually put them off speaking. Taking the person to one side after-

wards and pointing out an error, is more polite but maybe a little picky. After

all, the moment has passed. And in any case, it does no harm to let some

things slide – you don’t need to be a staunch defender of the Queen’s English

on all occasions.

But the classroom isn’t the real world. It’s a safe environment where your stu-

dents can try language out. And as the teacher, you’re no ordinary listener;

you’re paid to point students in the right direction.