Correction codes

Correction Codes Key (printable version)

Correction codes are letters or symbols which teachers can use to annotate a student's written work when assessing written texts in order to elicit corrections rather than provide them.

The usual way to mark written texts using a correction code is to annotate the first draft that the student submits which is then returned to the student for revision using the correction codes as a guide. Each student should be given a table of the correction codes for reference. If this is the first time the students have experienced this method of correction then they should initially be supervised in class so that they will understand what is expected of them.

Once they finish their second draft only then would it be explicitly corrected, though often the correction codes are all the correction that is necessary. Highlighting some parts where they are doing well is a good way to indicate you are appreciating their effort.

Using correction codes and a 2-draft system such as this aids the learning process by focussing students' attention on their own errors, thus encouraging self-monitoring and cultivating self-correction.