Teacher A

‘I never let my students make mistakes. If they say anything wrong, I stop them and make them say it
correctly. I don’t want them to learn bad English.’

Advantages:

By correcting students' mistakes immediately, you can help them develop a strong sense of linguistic
accuracy. They will become more conscious of their errors and strive to produce correct language
forms.

Immediate correction ensures that students are consistently exposed to accurate language models. It
helps them internalize correct language structures and patterns more effectively.

Builds confidence: Correcting mistakes promptly can prevent students from forming incorrect habits
or misconceptions. When they receive immediate correction, they can feel more confident in their
language abilities and trust that they are learning the right way.

Supports error-free communication: By focusing on accuracy from the start, you can help students
communicate more effectively in the target language. Correcting mistakes immediately helps ensure
that their messages are clear and easily understood.

Disadvantages:

Constant interruption to correct mistakes can impede students' fluency development. It may disrupt
their flow of thought and expression, making them hesitant or reluctant to speak freely.

Discourages risk-taking: Frequent correction can create an atmosphere of fear or anxiety,

discouraging students from taking risks in using the language. They might become overly concerned
about making mistakes, hindering their creativity and willingness to experiment with new language
forms.

Lack of contextual understanding: Immediate correction may not consider the context or
communicative intent behind a student's mistake. Overemphasis on accuracy can overshadow the
importance of meaningful communication and the development of language skills beyond grammar.

Reduced student engagement: Constant interruption and correction can be demotivating for
students. They may feel discouraged or embarrassed, leading to decreased engagement and
participation in classroom activities.

Teacher B

Pros of Selective Correction:

1. Promotes fluency: Allowing students to speak freely during activities

encourages them to focus on fluency rather than constantly worrying about
making mistakes. They can express their thoughts and ideas more naturally,
which helps develop their oral communication skills.
2. Encourages creativity: By minimizing correction during freer activities, students
have the freedom to experiment with language and express themselves
 creatively. They can explore different ways of conveying meaning and develop
their own unique style of communication.
3. Fosters independent learning: Allowing students to make some mistakes
during certain activities promotes self-correction and autonomy. They have the
opportunity to reflect on their own errors and learn from them, building their
self-awareness and language learning skills.
4. Supports communication skills: By focusing on meaning rather than strict
accuracy during freer activities, students can develop their ability to convey
messages effectively. They learn to use the language in a way that is
appropriate for the given context, enhancing their overall communication
skills.

Cons of Selective Correction:

1. Reinforces errors: By not correcting students during certain activities, there is a

risk that persistent mistakes or inaccuracies may become ingrained. Students
may continue to use incorrect language structures or forms without being
aware of their errors.
2. Missed opportunities for improvement: Selective correction may result in
missed opportunities for students to learn and improve their language skills.
Without timely feedback, they might continue to repeat mistakes or fail to
notice their own errors, hindering their progress.
3. Inconsistency: Inconsistently correcting students' mistakes can lead to
confusion. Students may struggle to understand when it is appropriate to use
correct language forms and when errors are acceptable, potentially causing
inconsistency in their language production.
4. Neglected accuracy: While fluency is important, neglecting accuracy altogether
can hinder students' ability to produce correct language. Without occasional
correction and attention to accuracy, students may develop a disregard for
precision and struggle in more formal or structured language settings.

Teacher C

Pros of Minimal Correction:

Encourages fluency and confidence: By minimizing correction, students are more likely to feel
comfortable expressing themselves in English. They can focus on conveying their ideas and messages
without constantly worrying about making mistakes, which promotes fluency and boosts their
confidence.

Reduces anxiety and fear: Fear of making mistakes can be a significant barrier to language learning.
By creating an environment where students are not overly corrected, they can feel more relaxed and
willing to take risks with their language production, leading to increased engagement and
participation.
Fosters creativity and self-expression: With minimal correction, students have the freedom to
experiment with language and express themselves more creatively. They can explore different
language forms, styles, and vocabulary choices, which enhances their linguistic repertoire and
encourages individuality.

Promotes communication skills: Emphasizing expression over strict accuracy helps students develop
their overall communication skills. They learn to use the language effectively to convey meaning,
understand others, and engage in meaningful conversations, which is a crucial aspect of language
learning.

Cons of Minimal Correction:

Reinforces errors and fossilization: Without correction, students may continue to make the same
mistakes repeatedly. Over time, these errors can become ingrained and difficult to correct, leading to
fossilization of incorrect language forms.

Limited accuracy development: Minimal correction can result in students not fully grasping the
correct usage of grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation. Lack of guidance may hinder their ability to
produce accurate language, especially in more formal or academic contexts.

Incomplete language acquisition: Language acquisition involves both fluency and accuracy.
Overemphasis on fluency alone can result in students lacking the necessary language structures and
conventions required for effective communication in different settings.

Difficulty in self-correction: Without regular correction, students may struggle to identify and correct
their own mistakes. They might develop misconceptions or incorrect language habits that are
challenging to unlearn without external feedback and guidance.