Mistakes

Many teachers, even those with years of experience, don't know how to handle students' mistakes in a constructive way.

In 2012, at a school in Chennai, a Class IX student stabbed a teacher to death. The news said the student was upset about being repeatedly reprimanded for not doing well in studies. Talking to other students, I learned that when the teacher complained, the student's parents took away his privileges at home. That just made him angrier.

Based on my experience with many teachers and trainee teachers in India, I wouldn't be surprised if students reacted angrily to teachers more often.

It's important for teachers to have a productive attitude towards mistakes.

First, point out mistakes clearly and specifically. For example, instead of saying "wrong," you could say, "This verb should be 'goes,' not 'go.'"

Second, don't shame or make fun of the students. If you do, they might feel embarrassed, upset, or ashamed. These feelings can stick with them and make them scared to try again.

Third, treat mistakes as learning opportunities. Make it clear that the mistakes aren't permanent—they're just steps towards improvement. Explain why each mistake happened and what rule or concept it breaks.

Fourth, highlight what is correct alongside what is wrong. When students see both, it motivates them and clarifies the problem.

Finally, provide guidance for improvement. Show them how to fix their mistakes and how to avoid making the same ones next time.

If teachers adopt this approach, mistakes stop being a source of shame or frustration. Instead, they become a stepping stone for real learning, and that's when teaching really works.