English Teaching

ELT365 · Day 192 — On-the-Spot Error Correction: When and How

📚60-Day ELT Masterclass — This post is part of an ongoing series. View full index →

Idea — Immediate correction suits accuracy-focused tasks — drills, written exercises. During fluency tasks, it breaks flow and discourages speaking. Decide the task aim first, then set the correction policy.

Example — During a grammar drill, correct immediately: “I go there yesterday → I went there yesterday.” During a discussion, note the error; correct in the feedback slot.

Try — In your next class, announce your correction policy before the task begins: “I’ll correct as we go” or “I’ll note and we’ll look after.” Stick to it.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.