Error exploitation: more than error correction

Magster Ana Mara Rozzi de Bergel

arozzi@caece.edu.ar

UNIVERSIDAD TECNOLGICA NACIONAL February 2011

AGENDA

Definition of errors and mistakes. Stages and correction. Error analysis. Re-definition of errors. Error exploitation to foster progress. Error exploitation activities. Questions.
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ERRORS AND MISTAKES

Mistake: a slip of the tongue or the pen. Error: a systematic element in the language users personal language system. ARE THEY LEARNING ATTEMPTS, HYPOTHESES-TESTING PROCESSES OR PROBLEMS TO ERADICATE?
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STAGES AND CORRECTION

Pre-systematic: self-correction is impossible.

Systematic: self-correction is possible if the error is pointed out to the learner.

Post-systematic: readily self-corrected.
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ERROR ANALYSIS
a. Interlingual (30%) b. Intralingual

OVERGENERALISATION

Simplification

Conditioning

Adherence to first
Cue-copying

form or meaning learnt

RE-DEFINING ERRORS
Signs of problems. Experiments to confirm hypotheses. Learning attempts.

Items in the learners personal syllabus. Contributions to the course syllabus. Exploitation to enhance progress.

ERROR EXPLOITATION (Kolb)

1.SIGNIFICANT ERRORS
2. RECORD 3. DISCUSSION AND CORRECTION 4. COMMUNICATIVE PRACTICE Concrete experience

Observation - Reflection
Abstract conceptualisation Active Experimentation New concrete experience

5. CLASS SYLLABUS: REVIEW AND TEST

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1,2. RECORD ERRORS MADE ORALLY OR IN WRITING

THOSE WHICH WORRY THE LEARNER

ERRORS COMMON TO A GROUP OF LEARNERS MASTER ERRORS ERRORS WHICH ARE BECOMING FOSSILISED
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3. DISCUSSION and CORRECTION a

(Observation, reflection Abstract conceptualisation)

Error: I want going to the party.

Discussion: Choose the correct form: I want ............... to the party. a. go b. to go c. going
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3. DISCUSSION and CORRECTION a

(Observation, reflection Abstract conceptualisation)

Error: I suggest you to come back tomorrow.

Discussion: Choose the correct form: I suggest that you write this letter again. I suggest you to study more. I suggest that you waiting for her here.

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3. DISCUSSION and CORRECTION c

(Observation, reflection Abstract conceptualisation)

Error: Like you this cake?

Discussion: Where is the error? - Do you like this cake? - Yes, I do. May I have a piece? - Like you this cake? - Yes, I like. May I have a piece?
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4. COMMUNICATIVE PRACTICE e
(New concrete experience)

Communicative activities: writing tasks, role-play activities, discussions, descriptions, role simulation, presentations, for example.
TEST ITEMS IN THE ERROR LOGS THEY HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE COURSE SYLLABUS
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ERROR EXPLOITATION

More creative activities:

Error auction. Error hunt + error hangman. Error domino: wrong form+correct form. Error draw. Error basket. Error tree.
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Summing up
RECORD ERRORS
INTERRUPT

CONCRETE EXPERIENCE

NEW TO
CORRECT

OBSERVATION AND REFLECTION

USE ERRORS IN COMMUNICATIVE ACTIVITIES

CONCRETE EXPERIENCE

DEVISE ACTIVITIES

DISCUSS RESULTS
ABSTRACT CONCEPTUALISATION
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