How Well Do Sixth-Graders Proofread for Spelling Errors?

Abstract

written composition, though limited in number, indicate the effectiveness of such teaching. DeBoer reported on a study by Goss, who concluded that fifth-graders who had had systematic instruction in proofreading by means of a series of proofreading exercises made significantly greater gains in spelling than the control groups did (3). Nichols analyzed five of the six abilities that a majority of authorities considered important to spelling success. Proofreading was one of the abilities analyzed. Using a spelling test she had constructed, she studied the effectiveness of remedial instruction and concluded that children spell more accurately as their skill in proofreading increases (4). In teaching children to detect and to eliminate spelling errors in written composition, Horn warned of children's limited ability to proofread their own writing (5). To substantiate the warning, Horn cited studies by three researchers: McFarland, who worked with students in college; Greenwood, who worked with students in high school; and Tireman, who worked with pupils in elementary school. All three investigators found that students are seriously deficient in the ability to decide whether a word is spelled correctly. I was interested in learning how well sixth-graders detect spelling errors in written composition.