Error Correction: Alternatives techniques for communicative correction
Stafford Lumsden
Abstract
One of the most difficult things new teachers have to deal with is error correction. Deciding between interrupting accuracy focused tasks to offer correction and noting errors and addressing them after fluency focused tasks is a difficult balance to strike, especially for those teachers new to the profession or with little applied linguistics knowledge or experience.
While students may be receptive to recasting and explanation from teachers these can be inefficient in terms of the amount of time spent correcting an error, can increase Teacher Talk Time (TTT) and may serve to de-motivate or even intimidate students in communications courses.
This presentation considers the different correction requirements of accuracy versus fluency based tasks and offers ideas and techniques that both new to the profession, and experienced teachers, can apply in their classrooms. Use of facial expression, gesture and so-called “Finger correction” sit alongside more traditional methods such as repetition, recasting and rephrasing, with attendees given a chance to practice all of the techniques discussed in the presentation.
Bio-sketch
Stafford Lumsden (MA TESOL (Hons), CELTA) is the president of Seoul KOTESOL and the Academic Supervisor at YBM Premier Dongseongro, Daegu. Previously he has held roles as Head Teacher Trainer, TESOL Dept. GyeongIn National University of Education and as a Teacher Trainer at The Institute of TESOL, Seoul National University of Education. He has taught ESL/EFL for over 10 years in both his native New Zealand and in Korea. Stafford has presented on numerous TESOL related topics at various Regional, National and International Conferences, including the KOTESOL International Conference and The Gyeonggi International Teachers’ Conference.
