Error correction in English teaching - Part 2- What to correct

Summary

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Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is understanding the causes of learner errors in language acquisition and how teachers should prioritize and handle these errors effectively.

Why is it important to correct learner errors?

It is important to correct learner errors because it helps learners improve their language skills, clarifies misunderstandings, and helps avoid reinforcing incorrect language usage.

What is the most common cause of errors in language learners, especially at lower levels?

The most common cause of errors, particularly at lower levels, is a lack of knowledge, where learners simply haven't learned certain vocabulary, forms, or grammar structures yet.

How can a learner's first language (L1) influence their errors in English?

A learner's first language can influence their English errors through pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, as their L1 rules might differ from English, leading to mistakes in areas like word stress, sentence structure, or article usage.

Can overgeneralization lead to errors? Provide an example.

Yes, overgeneralization can lead to errors when learners apply rules they've learned from other parts of the language incorrectly. For example, saying 'I builded a house' is incorrect because the learner overgeneralized the regular past tense rule, thinking 'build' would follow the same pattern as verbs like 'builded'.

What types of errors are made in real-time speech production?

In real-time speech production, learners may make mistakes due to the difficulty of processing and producing language quickly. This could include missing auxiliary verbs or forgetting third-person singular 's' in the present tense, similar to errors native speakers make.

What factors should teachers consider when choosing which errors to correct?

Teachers should consider factors like the target language focus (e.g., correcting errors related to the lesson's grammar target), intelligibility (errors that make communication unclear), the frequency of the error (errors made consistently), and the learner's readiness to correct the error effectively.

Why is it important to know the first language of your learners when correcting errors?

Knowing the first language of your learners helps teachers anticipate common errors due to L1 interference, allowing them to tailor their correction strategies and explanations more effectively.

What is a simple strategy to correct an error when a learner just slips up?

A simple strategy to correct a slip-up is using a non-verbal cue, like a facial expression, or a recast, where the teacher subtly restates the correct form, prompting the learner to self-correct.

How can teachers prioritize correcting frequent errors in language learners?

Teachers can prioritize frequent errors by addressing them as part of the regular correction process, since consistent mistakes can hinder the learner's progress. Teachers should focus on errors that occur often enough to affect communication or understanding.