What Error Correction Can Not Accomplish For Second Language Writers

This book looks at aspects of L2 research that influence error correction, finding that second language acquisition takes time and that second language writers' texts differ from those written by native English speakers. Using this research, Dana R. Ferris dispels the myth that diligent teacher correction and student editing can lead to perfect, error-free texts. In clear and simple terms, Ferris makes six suggestions for things teachers can do in the classroom regarding error correction and provides samples. Other issues regarding the expectations of students and others—such as in timed (high-stakes) situations—as it relates to "perfect" papers are examined. The book closes by addressing the basic principles of developing students' language skills in second language/ESL writing classes.

Treatment of Error offers a realistic, well-reasoned account of what teachers of multilingual writers need to know about error and how to put what they know to use. As in the first edition, Ferris again persuasively addresses the fundamental error treatment questions that plague novice and expert writing specialists alike: What types of errors should teachers respond to? When should we respond to them? What are the most efficacious ways of responding to them? And ultimately, what role should error treatment play in the teaching of the process of writing? The second edition improves upon the first by exploring changes in the field since 2002, such as the growing diversity in what is called “L2 writers,” the blurring boundaries between “native” and “non-native” speakers of English, the influence of genre studies and corpus linguistics on the teaching of writing, and the need the move beyond “error” to “second language development” in terms of approaching students and their texts. It also explores what teacher preparation programs need to do to train teachers to treat student error. The second edition features * an updating of the literature in all chapters * a new chapter on academic language development * a postscript on how to integrate error treatment/language development suggestions in Chapters 4-6 into a writing class syllabus * the addition of discussion/analysis questions at the end of each chapter, plus suggested readings, to make the book more useful in pedagogy or teacher development workshops

This volume synthesizes and critically analyzes the literature on response to the writing of second language students, and discusses the implications of the research for teaching practice in the areas of written and oral teacher commentary on student writing, error correction, and facilitation of peer response. The book features numerous examples of student texts and teacher commentary, as well as figures and appendices that summarize research findings and present sample lessons and other teaching materials. It is thus simultaneously comprehensive in its approach to the existing research and highly practical in showing current and future teachers how this material applies to their everyday endeavors of responding to student writing and teaching composition classes. Response to student writing--whether it takes the form of teachers' written feedback on content, error correction, teacher-student conferences, or peer response--is an extremely important component of teaching second language writing. Probably no single activity takes more teacher time and energy. Response to Student Writing is a valuable theoretical and practical resource for those involved in this crucial work, including L2 composition researchers, in-service and preservice teachers of ESOL/EFL writers, and teacher educators preparing graduate students for the teaching of writing.

While most teachers acknowledge the importance of vocabulary in learning a new language, many assume a reading class or other teacher will cover vocabulary. Yet vocabulary plays an essential role in good writing, especially academic writing. Teaching Vocabulary Is the Writing Teacher’s Job explores the serious nature of ESL students’ lexical plight and looks at vocabulary in relation to reading, speaking, listening, and writing proficiency. It also examines the role of vocabulary in ESL writing assessment. In the conclusion, author Keith Folse discusses eight research-based suggestions for writing teachers, including encouraging students to become vocabulary detectives, teaching collocations, testing vocabulary, and teaching paraphrasing and summarizing.

What should language and writing teachers do about giving students written corrective feedback? This book surveys theory, research, and practice on the important and sometimes controversial issue of written corrective feedback, also known as “error/grammar correction,” and its impact on second language acquisition and second language writing development. Offering state-of-the-art treatment of a topic that is highly relevant to both researchers and practitioners, it critically analyzes and synthesizes several parallel and complementary strands of research — work on error/feedback (both oral and written) in SLA and studies of the impact of error correction in writing/composition courses — and addresses practical applications. Drawing from both second language acquisition and writing/composition literature, this volume is the first to intentionally connect these two separate but important lines of inquiry.

What should language and writing teachers do about giving students written corrective feedback? This book surveys theory, research, and practice on the important and sometimes controversial issue of written corrective feedback, also known as error/grammar correction, and its impact on second language acquisition and second language writing development. Offering state-of-the-art treatment of a topic that is highly relevant to both researchers and practitioners, it critically analyzes and synthesizes several parallel and complementary strands of research work on error/feedback (both oral and written) in SLA and studies of the impact of error correction in writing/composition courses and addresses practical applications. Drawing from both second language acquisition and writing/composition literature, this volume is the first to intentionally connect these two separate but important lines of inquiry.

Reflecting the internationalization of the field of second language writing, this book focuses on political aspects and pedagogical issues of writing instruction and testing in a global context. High-stakes assessment impacts the lives of second language (L2) writers and their teachers around the world, be it the College English Test in China, Common Core-aligned assessments in the U.S., English proficiency tests in Poland, or the material conditions (such as access to technology, training, and other resources) affecting a classroom. With contributions from authors working in ten different countries in a variety of institutional contexts, the chapters examine the uses and abuses of various writing-related assessments, and the policies that determine their form and use. Representing a diverse range of contexts, methods, and disciplines, the authors jointly call for more equitable testing systems that consider the socioeconomic, psychometric, affective, institutional, and needs of all students who strive to gain access to education and employment opportunities related to English language proficiency.

Synthesizes & critically analyzes research on responce to L2 student writing and discusses implications of the research for teaching, specifically written & oral teacher commentary, error correction, and peer response. Intended for comp. researchers,