Error correction is tricky. Correct too much and students stop talking. Correct too little and mistakes become habits. Here's how to get the balance right.

When to Correct Errors

During Accuracy Activities:

• Grammar exercises
• Pronunciation practice
• Form-focused tasks
• Immediate correction is helpful

During Fluency Activities:

• Free conversation
• Role-plays
• Discussions
• Wait until the end

Types of Errors to Focus On

Priority 1: Global Errors

• Change the meaning completely
• Make communication impossible
• "I have 25 years" (instead of "I am 25 years old")

Priority 2: Frequent Errors

• Mistakes students make repeatedly
• Common grammar problems for their level
• Patterns you notice across the class

Priority 3: Local Errors

• Don't stop communication
• Small grammar or vocabulary mistakes
• Can wait for later focus

Gentle Correction Techniques

1. Echo with Rising Intonation

Student: "I go to school yesterday" Teacher: "You go to school yesterday?" (with questioning tone)

2. Recast (Repeat Correctly)

Student: "I have two childs" Teacher: "Yes, you have two children"

3. Finger Correction

• Hold up fingers for each word
• Point to the finger with the error
• Let the student self-correct

4. Reformulation

Student: "I very like pizza" Teacher: "Ah, you really like pizza!"

Encouraging Self-Correction

• Use facial expressions to show something's wrong
• Point to the word on the board
• Ask "Can you say that again?"
• Give the first sound of the correct word

Error Correction During Speaking

Don't Interrupt:

• Let students finish their ideas
• Note errors for later
• Focus on communication first

Use Delayed Correction:

• Write errors on the board (anonymous)
• Work on them after the activity
• Ask the class to spot mistakes

Creating a Positive Error Environment

• Celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities
• Say "Good try!" or "Almost!"
• Show that errors are normal
• Correct your own mistakes openly

Quick Do's and Don'ts

Do:

• Be selective - don't correct everything
• Give students time to self-correct
• Focus on one error type at a time
• Make correction feel supportive

Don't:

• Interrupt fluent speech
• Overcorrect beginners
• Make students feel embarrassed
• Ignore serious communication problems

Remember: the goal is communication, not perfection. Smart error correction helps students improve while keeping them confident and motivated to keep speaking English.