How would you deal with error correction in your classroom(s)?

I think the techniques that a teacher uses in order to deal with error correction in classrooms have an important impact in the student`s learning process.

I think when students commit mistakes, is an opportunity for the teacher to encourage them “to find the way” by themselves. It is not a good idea simply provide the corrections, they just need for help or techniques in order to make the corrections and find the mistakes by their own.

There are some aspects that teachers need to take into account when correct students for example:

Who corrects? It is important make that decision according through what experience we as teachers expect the students learn. It can be :

Self-correction. When we provide students chances to correct by themselves. This way they are going to be able to monitor their own learning. In some cases students need assistance in knowing where the mistakes are and what kind of mistake it is, then they can self-correct.

Student-student correction. Through this technique we have the opportunity to involve the whole class in the correction process and making learning more collaborative.

Teacher correction. The teacher can help students by appropriate gestures, or saying something like : “repeated again” . It is important create a positive rapport that allow students even if they commit mistakes, feel confident to ask for guidance when errors appear. Because sometimes students have doubts or they know that there is a mistake, but if there is not a good relationship students prefer do not ask for help.

What kind of mistakes we must correct?

It`s depending on the activities and what skills the students need to improve. For example in a reading activity we can help students to correct intonation, or  pronunciation by facilitating or modeling the correct way.

When do you correct?

It is depend on the objectives we want to achieve, the teacher  can tell the students what is the purpose of the activity, and  how he/she  is going to correct them.

For example: In a repetition practice we must correct students in the moment and make the whole participate. In contrast, in a role play or presentation it is not a good idea interrupt people. We can give feedback later .

The teacher has to evaluate the strategies to implement for error-correction according to the level of the students, the aim of the activities and because mistakes are part of the life, and through mistakes our students take risks and show their progress we must help them to positively to success.