The Importance of Precision in Praise
Many teachers are comfortable correcting grammar, but providing actionable feedback that builds confidence is a more nuanced skill [1]. Research detailed in Cambridge papers in ELT (2017) emphasizes the importance of highlighting exactly what a student did right to reinforce positive language patterns [2]. Instead of a generic 'good job', explicitly naming the structure helps the learner [2].
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Teacher Tip
"Avoid interrupting learners while they are speaking unless there is a complete communication breakdown, as 'on the spot' correction can negatively impact their confidence [3, 4]."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is delayed feedback?
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Delayed feedback involves waiting until the end of a speaking activity to offer corrections, requiring the teacher to monitor closely and take notes on both good language use and errors [4].
When should I use immediate feedback?
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Immediate feedback is given right after a learner makes an error, but it should be used sparingly as it can disrupt the flow of conversation and reduce student confidence [3, 4].