Directives to read for self-correction in peer-tutoring consultations for L2 writing

Abstract

This study examines tutor-initiated error-correction sequences in one-to-one consultations for second language (L2) writing. Using conversation analysis (CA), the paper presents three examples illustrating what the tutor does to help tutees come up with solutions to grammar problems in their essays. The detailed analysis demonstrates how the tutor's directives to read in order to find and solve an L2 grammar issue, along with the tutees’ alignment, create opportunities for the tutees to self-correct. The study explores: (1) how the tutor's directive to read leads a tutee to self-correct; (2) how the tutor manages a tutee's resistance to a directive to read and trouble display through “narrowed-down support”; and (3) how the tutor manages a tutee's trouble display through multiple directives to read. The findings suggest pedagogically useful practices, and contribute to CA research on L2 writing consultations in general and the understanding of tutor-initiated error-correction sequences specifically.