 The most useful corrections techniques in the EFL classroom Whether in the classroom or at the grading desk, the word corrections might bring to mind an answer list or possibly a red pen For English language, linguistic and spelling errors are generally the focus of these corrections However, where English language acquisition is concerned, such a focus can interrupt the natural flow of conversation and even set the learning process backwards This post was written by our ITTT graduate Petra W. Kutus before criticism In the classroom, a good first rule is to offer Kutus before criticism During lessons, major errors are best addressed during the portion of the lesson dedicated to study and practice The nature of the skills being honed, as well as age group and class size, should be considered when deciding a method to achieve this For group one, two learest students, games and songs with repetition help drill language in a fine way Repetition of mistakes then, risks enforcing them Teachers should try to vary activities around target language and let students self-correct instead Activities that engage total physical response, TPR, and multiple themes and intelligences will also help this information sink in at the unconscious level For group two learners, learning is self-conscious The teacher should consider likely mistakes when preparing study materials and decide how each of these can be addressed in a way that will minimize calling out individuals Also, since older students can learn through reading and writing as well as listening and speaking, the teacher can make use of group and pair work Students can learn through teamwork and in the meantime the teacher can check any individual's progress less publicly Errors in writing In the case of errors in writing, outside of requisite testing, red pen remedies should be avoided Simply crossing out the wrong answer and writing the correct one is faster when checking papers, but when working one-to-one with students, it is as effective as tending a garden with a lawnmower Red marking leaves a glaring reminder of a mistake rather than evidence of things learned Instead, teachers should guide student writing and rewriting whenever possible letting students self-correct their own words This will preserve the student's self-confidence and help him or her build personal learning strategies In both groups, feedbacks phrasing is also important, saying, oh, that's close You've almost got it, is far more motivating than that's wrong This is true of classroom management in general, don't run, is not as effective as saying walk slowly In conversation, communication strategies like echoing, reacting, and questioning will serve as cues by which students can judge their own clarity and attempt self-correction Prompts can also be effective, but it's important not to hijack the conversation Students learn the language more naturally by using their own words and thoughts Direct correction should be a last resort if they are even used at all Are you ready to teach English abroad? The temptation to control mistakes by simply marking them can seem easier, but in the end, it demotivates students It turns meaning into formulas and success into a number Whatever the correction strategy, a teacher's focus should be on the students, always with the goal or helping language acquisition develop as organically as possible In the end, these will be what make correct and effective language stick Apply now for your TEFL TESOL certification course and start teaching in a matter of months Speak with an ITTT advisor today to put together your personal plan for teaching English abroad Send us an email or call us toll free at 1-800-490-0531 to speak with an ITTT advisor today