Many students grew up in environments where "writing wrong means getting scolded." Result: they have ideas, they have vocabulary, but they don't dare to write.
Rebuilding Confidence in Writing Skills
- Allow free writing – require students to complete sentences/paragraphs before offering feedback.
- Use delayed feedback – only correct after they've finished writing, avoiding interruption of their thought process.
- Focus on a few main errors – don't correct everything. Each session choose 1-2 grammar points or structures.
- Provide specific notes – use examples from their own writing to illustrate how to improve.
Writing in English isn't a "battle," but a process of try – fail – learn. When teachers reduce pressure, students will dare to write more and progress faster.
The "Sandwich" Feedback Method
- Praise what they did well (even if it's just "you wrote the required word count").
- Suggest improvements: "One thing you could adjust is using 'however' instead of 'but' in this paragraph."
- End with encouragement.
When giving feedback in front of the class, speak in third person to avoid embarrassing students; only call names directly when specific guidance is needed.