3. Myth of Effectiveness of Error Correction

Many responders to writing, both of native and non-native speakers, feel compelled to mark all errors in students' writing. Yet research shows that there is little or nothing gained from this practice, particularly with ESL students: "While error correction may have some use in helping a person learn, it seems to have little effect on the acquisition process" (Leki 15).

In other words, while responders to student writing may feel that by marking all errors, they are helping students improve their command of the language or writing, this practice does not improve students' language ability or writing ability, and may in fact, impede improvement by overwhelming and confusing students.