Summary
Accuracy matters, especially when it comes to L2 writing. When academic and professional fields demand high standards in writing accuracy, ESL/EFL teachers need resources that will help develop both the students writing and the writer himself. Research suggests that error charts can be used to raise awareness of error frequency, motivate students and increase accuracy in L2 writing. By systematically recording written errors by category, students are made aware of the frequencies of their errors and can begin to prioritize their time and attention to resolving the root issues. Over time, students begin to see their progress (or lack thereof) and may be motivated to press on toward improving their writing accuracy. An error logging tool holds useful potential for teachers and students, but it is not auto-powered. To get the most out of it, students need to be trained and held accountable as they use error logs alongside other classroom instruction and self-editing resources. Error logs are best used as part of a battery of self-editing practices.
References
Bates, L., Lane, J., & Lange, E. (1993). Writing clearly: Responding to ESL compositions. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle. Ferris, D. R. (1995). Can advanced ESL students become effective self-editors? The CATESOL Journal, 8, 41-62. Lalande, J. F. (1982). Reducing composition errors: An experiment. Modern Language Journal, 66, 140-149.
Robyn Dingfelder, Biola University MA TESOL student robyn.dingfelder@gmail.com, www.mannerofspeaking.weebly.com CATESOL Poster Session, March 2014
Reading/Writing 4
Name_________________
Place a tally mark for each error that your teacher marks on your assignment.
Noun Errors
Essay 4
Essay 5
Verb Errors
(Sentence fragments, run-ons, comma splices, unnecessary words, word order, connect sentences, subordinates)
SS
Punctuation Errors
, ; C
Miscellaneous Errors
misc
(Off topic, topic sentence, needs further support, transitions, new paragraph, conclusion)
C/O
Created by Joann Anderson and Robyn Dingfelder (2014). Adapted from Dana Ferris (1995).