How to Deal with Kids’ Errors – Tips for Teachers

Correcting kids’ errors is a delicate task. It is no doubt that to any good teacher, dealing with the errors of kids is a matter of serious consideration. This section of the KidsWorldFun’s post is bringing some of the tips to handle and deal with kids’ errors in learning.

Teachers should not only be able to detect errors; they should be able to judge the magnitude of an error, because all errors are not equally serious. Frequent correction of errors is time consuming and sometimes they may be irritating to the pupils, and may dampen their enthusiasm. Therefore, every teacher has to be very careful and planned in correcting the pupils.

Teacher should select only those errors which are crucial. And in correcting errors he also has to recognize the value of errors in learning. It is now widely believed that learning from one’s own mistakes is as true in language learning as in other areas of learning. Therefore, errors are valuable for both the teachers and the pupils. There is even a famous theory on Trial and Error learning by E. L. Thorndike who lived in the United States between 1874 and 1949.

Kids errors can be broadly divided into two types;

(1)    Errors resulting from carelessness

(2)    Errors resulting from ignorance

Carelessness may be due to different reasons. The teacher should find why he/she is careless. The reason for carelessness may be family issues, health or any other mental or physical issues. Find out the root cause and bring the child back. Remember that auto correction of errors only takes place in advanced stages and sometimes a kid may follow an error even when he is old without knowing fact that it is wrong. The second type of errors is due to ignorance. A good teacher should encourage his/her students to learn more. If any of your students is found difficulty in following any special subject, take remedial measures helping him to understand the difficult areas.

Once the decision has been made to correct an error, the teacher has to devise a way to do it in the most effective manner. The important thing is that make the kid to see the error and feel responsible for its correction.

In classroom situations, correction is much easier in oral teaching. If the pupil says something wrong the teacher can stop him and correct. Explanation is a tool most of the teachers using for correcting errors. But as a rule, drilling and practice is much more effective especially in English learning errors.

Kids World Fun brings a list of useful resource websites for teachers and parents to deal with diverse areas related to teaching and kids mental growth.