Responding to problems in written English using a student self-monitoring technique

This article presents the technique of self-monitoring, whereby students annotate their drafts with comments or queries on their problem areas, before handing their texts in to the teacher. The teacher responds in writing to these notes, thus giving direct and appropriate feedback on the points raised by the students. The use of this technique facilitates the teacher's understanding of the writer's problems and intentions, and allows students more control over the feedback they receive. It enables teacher and student to engage in a dialogue over the text even in circumstances where individual, face-to-face discussions are not possible.1