How
to correct
Once
we have taken the decision to correct we have to decide
how to do it. Should we always correct in the same way?
Are some occasions more suitable for particular types of
correction than others?
Spoken accuracy
One commonly held view is that the way we correct during
spoken ‘accuracy work' will be significantly different
from the way we correct during more open spoken ‘fluency
work – when students are involved in communicating
ideas and opinions. Whereas in the former case we may pick
out most of the mistakes we hear and deal with them immediately,
in the latter case we will be less rigorous and wait before
we intervene.
Written accuracy
In the correction of written work, the type of writing may
well affect the way we correct too. What is the benefit,
many ask, if a student's composition – a piece of creative
writing, after all – is returned covered with so much
red ink as to deny the importance of the content and de-motivate
the student utterly?
Correct immediately?
As with so many aspects of classroom pedagogy and management
the situation is more complex than simply making a distinction
between spoken/written accuracy and spoken/written fluency.
There may indeed be occasions when immediate correction
during fluency work is beneficial (provided it is done in
the right way).
Correct later?
We may, on the other hand, decide not to do overdo correction
during accuracy work since it might be counter-productive
and de-motivating.
Never correct?!
When students write journals for us we may sometimes decide
not to make any corrections at all for some of them, whereas
in other cases we may be more direct in our comments about
their English.
What is clear is that correction is an acutely sensitive
business. When deciding if and how to carry it out we will
have take the students' personalities, the activity, the
purpose amongst other things into account.
The Correction Development Pack
is now available for members – why not subscribe
now to access these fantastic articles and extracts
for busy teachers interested in career development!
Read
the transcript of the live session on the 11th July.
Did
you take part in the Correction survey?
Why not share your views with other teachers from around
the world on the Message Board
– it's open to everyone.
Jeremy
