Error management (practice)
When children are learning the language, mistakes are likely to occur. However, it should be seen as a proof of learning. Therefore, both teachers and learners need to develop a positive attitude towards mistakes. If errors are considered as a part of the learning process, it is easier to accept constructive feedback. I think that children, which I observed, are happy to listen to the teacher's suggestions and they really make an effort to improve.
Children sometimes use Polish, then, the teacher encourages them to say it in English by saying different words which are not correct. For example, when the child wants to say 'car' and says it in Polish, the teacher says 'plane?, train?, bus?', the child answers 'no' to all of the words and finally, says the correct word in English. Sometimes, the teacher also adds 'I don't understand you, what are you saying?' so that children are stimulated to speak in English.
In the classroom, there is a supportive learning environment; therefore, children are not afraid of being wrong. When children say something incorrectly, for example: 'I like swim', the teacher repeat the sentence by replacing the mistake with the correct grammar structure. For instance, ' you like swimming, great'. It happens in the similar way with pronunciation mistakes, the teacher repeat the word with improved pronunciation. As a result, children are exposed to correct input and hopefully, next time, they will be able to use it themselves.
The teacher is very supportive and because of the young age of students and their low language proficiency, mistakes are addressed straightaway so that children can improve. Apart from the teacher who is managing errors, peers are also very supportive. I noticed that they help each other, for example, when someone forgets the word, others are willing to help, or when incorrect word was used, they support the speaker with suggesting the correct one. It seems that their positive relationships enabled them to create a safe space, where the contribution is valued and challenges are overcame through teamwork.
What are your tips for error management?
Angelika
Thank you Angelika, for an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteJust as you mentioned, I think it's very important to create a supportive learning environment in the classroom, where children are not afraid of being wrong and can make mistakes.
And I really like the picture you attached, which says: 'Mistakes are proof that you are trying'. I think it's a beautiful reminder for ourselves and our students, that mistakes are okay to make, as long as we try our best :)