Sep. 2007, Volume 4, No.9 (Serial No.34)
US-China Education Review, ISSN1548-6613, USA
Error analysis and the EFL classroom teaching
XIE Fang, JIANG Xue-mei
(College of Foreign Languages, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian Liaoning 116029, China)
Abstract: This paper makes a study of error analysis and its implementation in the EFL (English as Foreign Language) classroom teaching. It starts by giving a systematic review of the concepts and theories concerning EA (Error Analysis), the various reasons causing errors are comprehensively explored. The author proposes that teachers should employ different and flexible error treatment strategies in accordance with the teaching objectives, students’ linguistic competence, their
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While each of these designations emphasizes a particular notion, they share the concept that second language learners are forming their own self-contained independent linguistic systems. This is neither the system of the native language nor the system of the target language, but falls between the two. The most important feature of interlanguage is that it has its own legitimate system where learners are no longer looked on as producers of malformed, imperfect language replete with mistakes, but as intelligent and creative beings proceeding through logical, systematic stages of acquisition creatively acting upon their linguistic environment. The second feature is that this system is dynamic and it is based on the best attempt of learners to produce order and structure to the linguistic stimuli surrounding them. Finally, it is a linguistic system which reflects the psychological process of learning and the psychological process of foreign language learning.
3. Error analysis and the procedures
In order to analyze learners’ errors in a proper perspective, it is crucial to make a distinction between “mistake” and “error”. According to Brown (2000), a “mistake” refers to a performance error in that it is a failure to utilize a known system correctly. While an “error” is a noticeable deviation from the adult grammar of a native speaker, reflecting the interlanguage competence of the learner. This recognition
Many popular theories of second language acquisition have been analyzed throughout history. The socialization of L2 learners, their present emotional state that is present at time of acquisition, as well as the comprehensible input and output with the use of scaffolding play a major role in second language acquisition. Let us also not forget the importance of written expression as well as reading comprehension with these L2 learners. Each play a role in language development. However, I believe that in acquiring a language, one must use a variety of techniques that work together to create a balance within the learning environment. Furthermore, all L2 learners learn differently and so a variety of resources will need to be used based on the ability of each student. There are many theories that have been developed by highly qualified experts in the field on linguistics. However, I will address those areas that I agree with as I present my personal theories on second language acquisition.
Second language acquisition has long been the focus of linguists and researchers in the teaching field. It highlights the process and theories of acquiring second languages among learners. Second language acquisition seeks to understand the development of second language acquisition among second language learners. Mastering the knowledge of second language acquisition helps teachers to successfully provide effective teaching for students. Undeniably, knowledge on second language acquisition is very much related to effective teaching of second languages. Many linguists and teacher educators believe that all language teachers should be equipped with knowledge of second language acquisition to help them teach effectively. Additionally, most teacher training programmers have incorporated second language acquisition as a compulsory course to make sure that all future language teachers are well-equipped with enough knowledge to teach in classroom.
The student’s main strength is that she is not afraid of speaking and making mistakes. Being an elementary level student, she makes regular mistakes corresponding both to the level and to being a Russian language speaker (Learner English, Swan, M and Smith, M CUP).
Miscue analysis is a reading assessment, which when used by teachers, can discover a student's strengths and weaknesses during reading. While the student reads, the teacher marks down the different miscues that take place and whether they affect the syntax or the meaning. They are called miscues to ignore the negative connotation that is associated with the word error (DeVries 48). One can learn plenty about a student from this miscue analysis assessment data. It can show a student’s tendencies when he comes to word he doesn’t know.
In this lab, the density of 20 glass beads were determined using two different methods and the results were compared to see how close the values were to each other. In first method the volume of each individual bead was measured using the diameter of each bead, along with the mass. In the second method the beads we treated as a whole unit. The total mass was measured and volume was measured based on the amount of water that was displaced in a graduated cylinder. Then, the beads were swapped with 20 different glass beads of the same type. The procedure was repeated and the results were compared to the data of the first bead set to look for any systematic errors that may have occurred. During the experiment, the data was
Language is the primary way to communicate, learn and express identity. Some language learners are successful by virtue of their sheer determination, hard work and diligence. However, there are other crucial factors influencing success that are largely beyond the control of learners. ' 'Second language is any language other than the learner 's native language or mother tongue ' '(Mitchell pg 5). To be successful in second language acquisition, there are various factors which act as barrier in the process of learning English as a second language.
The demand of involvement of grammar in the literacy curriculum has decreased exponentially over the years, as more and more technology has been released. This could be good for many people to use proper grammar without learning it, yet could impact lives negatively as well. In a survey showed by managers "75 percent said it was worse for an applicant to have a spelling or grammar error on his application than for him to show up late or... swear during an interview..."(Fogarty). Managers state that grammar
Since, the second language is an additional language after we acquire the first language, the L2 learning process can be influenced by the L1 learning process This essay will demonstrate the similarities and differences in L1 and L2 acquisition by discussing various theories. Then, draw a conclusion based on the evidence provided and my own experience.
“There are many instances, however, where reality and what we are taught do not correspond as to actual “correctness”, the actual acceptability, of what we are told to avoid”, states Hall (14). The liberal view is amoral because there is no standard for anyone using language and grammar. There is an attitude of nonchalance when analyzing what the linguist believes, therefore what is socially acceptable will work, for the linguist. Hall also states, “It is easy, on the one hand, to see that those who talk or advertise in this way and offer to cure our errors in pronunciation or grammar are simply appealing to our sense of insecurity with regard to our own speech.” The idea that linguists believe correct pronunciation and grammar usage being enforced affects one’s insecurity is amoral. The criticism of grammar and speech should encourage a person to use the correct rules and pronunciation which can lead to building confident speakers and writers. If linguist continue to find correcting affecting insecurities, individuals will never understand why preserving language is so
Many second language acquisition theories have been developed over the years. These theories examine the avenues in which second language is acquired and the avenues in which they are
The teacher candidate, Jae Lee meets with the supervisor, Lucretia Glover, to discuss how a previous scores on an assignment has aided in the cooperating teacher and teacher candidate to search for best practices that will help student with the misconceptions of previously learned skills. The teacher candidate explains that the students will complete an error analysis task that will allow the students to serve as teachers in their learning community. To keep from any student feeling as if they are correcting mistakes of each other, the teacher candidate poses the argument to students that they need to help her correct her
Researchers, such as Corder (1967) define the word ‘error’ when people do not follow grammatical rules or structures. At the basis of the accuracy-fluency controversy is the question of error. Once thought to be deviant behavior, error is now seen as a neutral phenomenon in learning of all kinds; learning to ice skate, to type, to analyze literature, to speak a first or second language. Of course, errors in written language can be due to intonation, memory lapse, or indifference and in an in-class writing situation, NES (Native English Speaker) as well as EFL (English as a First Language) students will make hasty performances errors. Generally, EFL errors are neither random, nor sporadic or deviant, instead they are systematic, regular and
According to Houmanfar, Hayes, and Herbst (2005), the first and second languages are interrelated and the history of the first language is a participatory factor in the acquisition of the second language (L2) and its maintenance. The Contrastive Analysis Hypothesis indicates that the structure and shape of the L1 of an individual are different from those the L2 that could create errors in speaking, reading and writing (Dulay et al., 1982). Similarities and differences between L1 and L2 acquisition will be outlined in terms of various theories.
The event happened under the same manager I have referred to in earlier posts. As I worked the error reports for the TPA (third party administrator), we received a report stating that the error's I claim to have fixed. In fact, after being accused of lying about the correction. She also communicated that I was unreliable to load the provider's records correctly. They stated that this error costs the company some amount of10 to 20 thousand dollars.
Grammar has always been an important issue in second and foreign language learning and teaching. Some hold the view that grammar is not essential for second/foreign language learning and therefore have a ‘zero position’ regarding grammar teaching. On the other hand, some view that grammar is necessary for second/foreign language learning.