TKT – Unit 11

The role of error

The role of error The different types of errors that occur when

speaking or writing a foreign language Why do learners make mistakes The role played by mistakes in language

learning

Why do learners make mistakes?

1. Errors – occur when learners try to say something that is

beyond their level of knowledge or language

processing

Interference - the influence from the

learner’s L1 on L2 – sound patterns, lexis or grammatical structures from L1

Developmental errorsEg: I goed for I went

A result of overgeneralization

2. slips, the result of tiredness, worry or any other emotion & occur

due to lack of concentration

Learners may use ,Sound patterns

LexisGrammatical structures

of L1

Disappear by themselves

Basic concept Interlanguage – The learner’s own version of

the second language which they use as they learn

Learners unconsciously reorganize & analyze their own language

Is not fixed but develops & progresses

Inter language and errors are necessary for language learning

Errors A natural part of learning Occurs when learners aim for greater

accuracy Through mistakes, learners tend to aim for

greater accuracy Each new piece of language we learn helps to

learn more fully other pieces of language like pieces of a jig saw puzzle

Developmental & interference errorsDisappear by themselves

Correction would help only if the learners are ready for that

three main ways through which learners can be helped to develop their language - exposure - use language to interact - the need to focus attention on language forms

Fossilization Errors which learners do not stop making but get fossilized. lasts for a long time, even forever occurs when the learners have sufficient language to communicate and has no reason to improve reason – lack of exposure - the learners’ lack of conscious / unconscious motivation to improve their level of accuracy because it causes no harm to communicate

Key conceptsTeacher must think whether, when and where to correctDon’t expect instant learning – it’s gradual & errors tend to occurIdentify the type – mistake or a slip In fluency activities, ignore mistakes – let the build confidenceCrucial errors that prevent communication must be correctedOlder learners must be explained about the mistakes

How can the teacher help these learners:Expose them to lots of language beyond their linguistic ability through reading & listening

Unconsciously this guides them not only for learning but for acquisition

Provide opportunities for them to focus on the form of language – reformulation & echo correction

Provide time in class to communicate & interact

Errors are useful for the teacher as well – it shows how the students have learnt & what help is necessary