Self-Correction
The learner identifies and repairs their own error without external provision of the correct form. Preferred over teacher correction in CLT approaches because it demonstrates that the learner's Interlanguage already contains the correct form — the error was a performance slip, not a competence gap.
Prompting Techniques
| Technique | How it works |
|---|---|
| Echo | Teacher repeats the utterance up to the error point with rising intonation: "I goed to the...?" |
| Facial expression | A raised eyebrow or puzzled look signals something was wrong without interrupting flow |
| Finger correction | Teacher holds up fingers representing words, points to the "wrong" finger. Useful for word order and missing morphemes |
| Repetition request | "Can you say that again?" — gives the learner a second attempt |
| Metalinguistic cue | "Check your tense" — names the error category without giving the answer |
| Gesture | Backward hand wave for past tense, forward for future — physical cues tied to meaning |
When It Works
Self-correction is effective when the error involves a form the learner has already studied and partially acquired. It fails when the learner genuinely does not know the correct form — in that case, forcing self-correction causes frustration. The teacher must judge whether the error is a slip (knows the rule, made a mistake) or a gap (has not yet acquired the form).
Hierarchy of Correction
Best practice in communicative classrooms follows a preference order:
- Self-correction (learner fixes it alone)
- Peer Correction (another learner helps)
- Teacher correction (last resort — explicit provision)
This hierarchy maximises learner processing and agency. Lyster & Ranta (1997) found that prompts leading to self-repair were more effective for Interlanguage development than recasts where the teacher simply provided the correct form.
Practical Note
Don't over-prompt. If the learner cannot self-correct after one or two prompts, provide the correction and move on. Extended prompting in front of the class raises the Affective Filter and damages Rapport.