ELT365 · Day 204 — The writing conference — one-to-one feedback

Idea — A writing conference is a brief (3–5 minute) one-to-one conversation between teacher and learner about a draft. The teacher asks questions rather than supplies answers. Talking about writing often unlocks what the learner meant to say.

Example — Teacher: ‘What are you trying to say in this paragraph?’ Learner explains clearly. Teacher: ‘Can you write that? It’s better than what you have.’

Try — In your next writing lesson, conference with three learners for 3 minutes each while the rest continue drafting. Ask only questions; do not correct. Note what happens.

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