Teaching Tip: Accuracy vs. Fluency
Teachers are often conflicted about when and how often they should correct spoken student errors. While it is tempting to immediately restate a word correctly when it has been mispronounced or used in the wrong tense, the consensus is that it is better to make note of common errors and review them at the end of an activity. Fluency, especially if you are teaching lower levels, should be encouraged by limited correction, while accuracy can be developed gradually. In fact, most ESLIM students are taking our classes to learn how to communicate, and we can best encourage them to do this by offering multiple opportunities for them to speak in class without the fear of embarrassment.
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