How to Correct English Mistakes Without Killing Confidence | Error Correction for Teachers & Learners - S01E07

How should English teachers correct mistakes — and how can learners stop making the same errors again and again?In this episode of How to English TEFL Podcast with Gav & Em, we explore practical ways to correct and avoid mistakes in English, from instant correction and delayed error correction to pronunciation problems, grammar mistakes, vocabulary slips and those stubborn errors that just keep coming back.We discuss when teachers should interrupt, when it’s better to let a conversation flow, and how correction can affect a learner’s confidence. We also share practical classroom techniques including questioning intonation, gestures, facial expressions, correction slips, keeping an error log and turning students’ real mistakes into revision activities.And correction isn’t only the teacher’s responsibility. We look at what English learners can do themselves — choosing a language focus before a lesson, deliberately using new vocabulary, working on pronunciation, and becoming more aware of recurring mistakes.Whether you’re an English teacher, TEFL/TESOL professional or English learner, this episode is full of practical ideas for making mistakes a useful part of learning.☕ Support How to English with Gav & Em:ko-fi.com/howtoenglishpodReferences:BBC 6 minute English: ⁠https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english⁠Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: correcting and avoiding mistakes01:30 – Instant vs delayed error correction03:00 – Correcting grammar with intonation and gestures05:00 – Vocabulary and pronunciation mistakes07:30 – Correction slips and getting students to correct errors09:30 – Positive correction without embarrassing learners11:30 – Should teachers use buzzers, whistles and sound effects?13:00 – Keeping an error log and revisiting recurring mistakes15:00 – Fossilised errors and the importance of repetition17:00 – What learners can do to avoid mistakes19:00 – Choosing a personal language focus for each lesson21:00 – When a mistake shows a real gap in knowledge22:30 – Getting learners to explain and practise corrections24:00 – Why teaching something once isn’t enough25:30 – Final thoughts