375. Correcting their own errors and mistakes


Another contribution to the website of British Council – BBC about errors and mistakes, by one more teacher. Very, very interesting. Picture from Life magazine. A Maori girl and a white one are playing or working at something.


SusanArgiri


Dealing with errors/mistakes


Submitted on 11 June, 2010 - 04:40


I always tell the students to not be afraid of mistakes. Mistakes allow a particular point to be placed in their memory banks. When they make a mistake I point out where the mistake is and let them correct it themselves. If they still get it wrong then I guide them to give them a further chance to correct it. If all fails then I tell them the answer with the appropriate explanation. The whole procedure means they remember.

Mistakes can be beneficial. If a student looks at the grammar rule or finds the correct vocabulary and writes the answer down correctly, that doesn't mean they will remember it when they come across it again. If they have had to correct the mistake there is a much better chance that the memory will be recalled.

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