ASK TEACHER JULIETA

Why doesn’t my English teacher correct every single mistake I make?

Dear English learner,

I understand that you may feel frustrated that your teacher doesn’t correct every single mistake you make. However, please keep in mind that teachers have to strike a balance between correcting errors and allowing students to express themselves freely.

It’s important to understand that correcting every mistake you make can be too much and not the best way to learn a language. Research has shown that too much feedback can actually make it harder to learn and make you less confident when using the language.

Giving feedback is MORE than simply correcting your errors or pointing out every single mistake you make. There are different types of feedback that English teachers usually give to their students to help them improve their language skills.

Here I’m going to explain briefly the different types of feedback many English teachers give to their students:

Corrective feedback

Corrective feedback is a type of feedback that is given when a student makes an error in their language use. For example, if you said “I goed to the store” instead of “I went to the store”, your teacher might give you corrective feedback by saying “It should be ‘I went to the store’.”

This type of feedback can be valuable for improving your language skills, but it’s not the only form of feedback that you can receive.

Positive feedback

Positive feedback is a type of feedback that focuses on what you did well. For example, if you gave a great presentation in class, your teacher might give you positive feedback by saying “You did a wonderful job presenting your ideas clearly and confidently.”

This type of feedback give praise for a job well done, and it can also boost your motivation and confidence.

Formative feedback

Formative feedback can come in various forms, depending on the context. For example, your teacher might give you feedback on a piece of writing you submitted or provide you with guidance during a conversation practice. The feedback might include suggestions on how to improve your grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, or communication skills.

This type of feedback focuses on addressing specific areas for improvement, can help you identify where to focus your efforts.

Summative feedback

Summative feedback is a type of feedback that is given at the end of a learning period or after a task has been completed. For example, at the end of a course, your teacher might give you a final exam or project and provide you with a grade based on your overall performance.

This form of feedback can help you identify areas where you still need improvement, as well as what you did well.

In addition to feedback from your teacher, you can also seek feedback from peers or language exchange partners. They may be able to provide a different perspective on your language use and offer suggestions for improvement.

I hope this explanation have answered your question.

With love,

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FLUENCY

Affirmations for English learners

Do you feel that you can’t speak English well?

Do you think that you will never speak English fluently?

It’s time to change your mindset. Your mindset is your way of thinking and the opinion that you have about your learning process. If you have a fixed mindset, then you are not open to change or improvement. If you have a growth mindset, it means you are open to change; therefore, you can improve.

If you want to improve your English and speak fluently, you must have a growth mindset. Below there is a list of 6 powerful affirmations that will help you grow your mind.

Growth Mindset
1. It’s okay to make mistakes because I’m learning

There is no need to say that when we are learning to do something new, we often make mistakes. Actually, making mistakes is part of our learning process. Mistakes can teach us valuable lessons. So, next time you make a mistake, relax and say calmly: “It’s okay, because I’m learning English”.

2. My English level and my accent don’t define my intelligence

Some people really believe that the only way to prove that they are intelligent is by speaking a foreign language flawlessly. Your level of intelligence has nothing to do with your accent. Be proud of your English level and work hard to achieve your learning goals.

3. I’m open to learning from qualified and caring teachers

A caring and qualified teacher is the best person to help you improve your English. Many learners believe that native speakers are the only ones that can teach them “good English”. Guess what? Qualified teachers know how to teach good English, regardless of their nationality. Qualified teachers have to go to College to learn how to teach the language. On top of that they are constantly taking professional development courses to help their students learn better. They know what exactly you need to overcome your mistakes, fears and challenges in English. Instead of looking for a native speaker, look for a qualified ESL/EFL teacher and let them help you. You can find thousands of native speakers to speak with them online for free. However, they don’t know how to teach their native language, they only know who to speak it. They don’t know how to answer grammar questions and most of the time they make you feel more confused.

4. I can handle any challenge before me

Yes! If you work hard and practice a lot you will overcome any obstacle. You need to realize that learning a new language requires time and perseverance. Don’t give up!

5. I will not let self doubt control my learning process

It’s normal to have doubts, fears and anxiety when we learn a new language. However, you are strong enough to overcome them. You are the one who is in control of your learning process.

6. I will believe in my capabilities. I can speak English!

You can learn new things. You are free to choose and make the right decisions. If something is too difficult or too challenging, you are intelligent enough to make a plan. Maybe you will have to review your vocabulary lists or your grammar notes. Maybe you will have to do more listening practice or learn something you were supposed to learn before but you didn’t. You are strong and capable of doing great things. YOU CAN SPEAK ENGLISH!