What is Negative (Corrective) Feedback

In this chapter we analyze the role that error correction plays in fostering language development via e-mail tandem exchanges. In order to do so, we present the findings of a year-long e-mail exchange between specialist learners of English at Nebrija University in Madrid and non-specialist learners of Spanish at Trinity College Dublin during the academic year 2005-2006. Using the results of qualitative research, we present data from the students’ e-mail content regarding different aspects of error correction, such as type of corrections, conventions and use of metalanguage. The findings of this study suggest that corrective feedback, especially when it takes the form of remediation, can lead to language development in on-line exchanges since it encourages recycling of errors in later e-mail messages.