Correction Techniques Preferred by Students During the Process of Learning a Foreign Language

Abstract

Correction Techniques Preferred by Students During the Process of Learning a Foreign Language Mistakes can be seen as an integral and natural part of learning. This is true of the development of a child's first language as well as of second language learning by children and adults. Learning never proceeds without making errors. They appear naturally in linguistic development. The main aim of the research is to find out if and how the learners appreciate error correction. Besides, its goal is to provide qualitative data concerning learners' opinions, as well as bring some comments on errors in their own experience. The research results clearly indicate that students generally believe that making errors is one of the things they do while learning a foreign language. They agree that they can learn a lot from their mistakes. Almost 40% of the research subjects think that error correction is absolutely necessary, and a half of them see correction as very helpful. They value correction as a means of improvement. Most learners are not afraid of errors and treat them as something natural. However, almost half of the research subjects associate making a mistake with the feeling of guilt. They use an avoidance technique in order not to be laughed at when they make a mistake. Thus, errors should not be approached with hostility. It is better to view errors as the sign of a learner's progress rather than a sign of lack of knowledge.