Section 4


Analyzing Spelling Errors

Tutors will make an initial analysis of a sample learner’s spelling errors. This should give them an idea of how to start with a learner.

Activity A


Learn to analyze spelling errors

Use of case study, handouts, practice

Materials and equipment

Handout 8.11: Spelling Case Study (2 pages)
Handout 8.12: Analyzing Your Spelling (2 pages)
Handout 8.13: Spelling Error Worksheet (2 copies per tutor)
Tutors’ spelling errors from the previous activities
Optional: spelling tests that you use in your program

Preparation

Copy handouts.
Familiarize yourself with Spelling Case Study and Analyzing Your Spelling.
Bring examples of spelling tests that you use in your program (optional).

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Ask tutors to read over the Spelling Case Study handout.
  2. Ask them how Frank figured out what the learner’s spelling problems were.
    • Over a few weeks he looked over the learner’s written work and put the errors into categories.
  3. If you test the learners in your program on similar error categories, tell tutors about this. If you give these tests to tutors to use, give them copies and show them how to use the spelling tests at this point.
  4. Ask tutors how Frank used active learning principles.
    • He planned a general spelling strategy and brainstormed techniques with the learner.
    • The spelling lists he and his learner used were often based on the learner’s writing.
    • The learner picked which words to learn.
    • Recording his spelling successes and errors made it easy for the learner to measure his progress.
  5. Introduce the first sheet of the Analyzing Your Spelling handout. Talk briefly about each type of error. Mention that self-analysis helps active learning.
  6. Introduce the second sheet of the Analyzing Your Spelling handout as an example of how to analyze individual errors.