Good correction is selective and matched to the error, the learner and the moment. The skill advises on what,
when and how to correct; scripts/error_log.py turns a class error log into priorities and persistent-error
alerts.
Trigger Conditions
Activate this skill when the user:
- Asks how, when or how much to correct learners
- Has learners who repeat the same errors (fossilisation)
- Keeps an error log and wants patterns and priorities
- Plans delayed error correction after a speaking activity
Classroom feedback moves in detail: recast-and-prompt-technique-coach. Written feedback: student-writing-feedback-generator. Pronunciation: pronunciation-feedback-for-teachers-tool.
Workflow
1. DIAGNOSE -> slip, error, attempt or fossilised? global or local? (references/when-to-correct.md)
2. PRIORITY -> blocks meaning > lesson target > frequent/persistent > register
3. TIMING -> immediate (accuracy, clarification, pronunciation) or delayed (fluency)
4. TYPE -> prompt or reformulation (references/corrective-feedback-types.md)
5. LOG -> student, date, error, correction, category, pattern
6. ANALYSE -> python scripts/error_log.py errors.csv (weekly)
7. PLAN -> delayed-correction slot, targeted mini-lessons for persistent patternsQuick guide
| Situation | Do |
|---|---|
| Drill or controlled practice | Correct immediately; prompt self-correction first |
| Discussion, role play | Note errors; 5-10 min delayed correction afterwards |
| Learner knows the rule | Repetition with rising intonation, or a gesture |
| New, complex form | Explicit correction + brief explanation |
| Same error 3+ times on different days | Explicit focus: rule, examples, personal error log, targeted practice |
Output Format
For advice: the recommended approach for the situation, with example teacher language for each step. For an error
log: the error_log.py summary, priorities for the class, a delayed-correction board for next lesson (4-6
sentences, anonymous) and a plan for each persistent pattern.
Scripts
python scripts/error_log.py errors.csv [--student Ana] [--top 5]Columns: student, date, error, correction, category, pattern (optional). Exit codes: 0 printed, 2 read error or missing columns.
Additional Resources
| File | Content |
|---|---|
| corrective-feedback-types.md | Six feedback types with examples, research summary, noticeable recasts, choosing a type, uptake and repair, non-verbal techniques |
| when-to-correct.md | Mistakes vs errors vs fossilisation, priorities, immediate vs delayed by stage, delayed techniques, learner factors, written errors, tracking |
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