Teacher Resources
How to Use Corrective Feedback with English Language Learners
Learning a new language while simultaneously trying to understand new content is challenging for English Language Learners (ELLs). Adding to this complexity is the desire to fit in and feel a sense of belonging among native English-speaking peers. Therefore, teachers must support ELLs in their language acquisition journey. One effective strategy is corrective feedback, which can significantly enhance ELLs’ classroom performance and overall achievement. This strategy is not confined to the ESL classroom; content teachers should also employ it to support their students.
What is Corrective Feedback?
Corrective feedback involves correcting students’ errors. Teachers must focus on students’ performance rather than their traits when correcting them. The nature of the error—whether it is related to fluency or content—will determine the type of correction given. Corrective feedback can be classified into two main types: implicit and explicit.
- Implicit Corrective Feedback: This involves subtly correcting errors by restating the response in its correct form.
- Explicit Corrective Feedback: This involves directly pointing out the error, explaining why it was wrong, and providing the correct usage.
For corrective feedback to be effective, it must be targeted, timely, and specific. It is insufficient to tell a student they are incorrect and move on; the teacher must explain the error and provide immediate correction so the student can learn from it. Additionally, corrective feedback should be appropriate for the ELL’s language level, focusing on form and meaning.
Why Corrective Feedback is Beneficial for English Language Learners
Research has shown that corrective feedback is highly beneficial for ELLs. Both explicit and implicit feedback can lead to significant improvements in language development. While corrective feedback often highlights errors, incorporating positive feedback is also essential. Consistent praise helps build ELLs’ confidence, which is crucial for language development.
How to Give Corrective Feedback
There are several effective methods for providing corrective feedback:
- Explicit Correction: Directly correcting the error and explaining the language rule. This helps clarify what is wrong and how to correct it in the future.
- Recasting: Restating the student’s error in the correct form. Students must recognize the correction within the recast.
- Requesting Clarification: Ask the student to repeat or explain their response. This encourages the student to think about and correct their mistake.
- Metalinguistic Clues: Providing hints about the correct language form, prompting the student to self-correct.
- Repetition: Repeating the incorrect response with a different intonation to signal the error, prompting the student to attempt the correction.
Avoiding Ineffective Corrective Feedback
Teachers must avoid ineffective corrective feedback that hinders a student’s language development. Overcorrecting every aspect of a student’s speech can damage their confidence and negatively impact their language output. Only negative feedback fails to teach the language effectively with a supportive explanation. Marking errors on an essay without explanation does not provide the necessary learning opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What is the difference between implicit and explicit corrective feedback?
Implicit corrective feedback involves subtly correcting errors, often by restating the correct form. Explicit corrective feedback involves directly pointing out the error and explaining the correction.
2. Why is timely corrective feedback important for ELLs?
Timely corrective feedback helps students immediately understand and correct their mistakes, reinforcing the correct usage and aiding in faster language acquisition.
3. Can corrective feedback be too much for ELLs?
Excessive corrective feedback can overwhelm and discourage students, potentially damaging their confidence and willingness to use the language.
4. How can teachers balance positive and corrective feedback?
Teachers can balance feedback by consistently praising correct usage and improvements while providing constructive corrections in a supportive manner.
5. What role does a student’s language level play in corrective feedback?
The input is given according to a student’s language level, ensuring that it is understandable and relevant to their current stage of language development.
Conclusion
Effective corrective feedback is vital in helping ELLs progress in their language acquisition. Teachers can facilitate significant improvements in students’ language skills by using various feedback strategies—whether focusing on pronunciation, grammar, or meaning. Encouraging students to reflect on their errors and providing constructive corrections will help make language learning natural and productive.