ESL Term:

Error Correction

Back to ESL Resources | Back to Glossary

error correction: An important issue for ESL teachers is when and how to correct the errors of language learners. Some researchers feel there is no need to correct errors at all, as errors will auto correct. However,  some researchers think that error correction is necessary. Among those who think it is necessary, there are those who say 'get it right from the beginning' to those who only care if they 'get it right in the end.' Different classroom theories  propose different solutions for error correction.  See the following views: 'Get it right from the beginning', 'say what you mean and mean what you say', 'just listen', 'teach what is teachable', and 'get it right in the end.'

Too much correction might frustrate learners and raise their affective filters. Too little correction might result in fossilization of errors.