When evaluating a learner's ability, how should mistakes be handled?

Allowing a learner to find a way out of their mistake fosters critical thinking and promotes deeper learning. When an instructor facilitates this process, they encourage the student to actively engage with the problem at hand, think critically about their choices, and explore their understanding. This method leads to greater retention of information because the student is involved in discovering the solution rather than passively receiving the correct answer.

While immediate correction might seem effective, it can undermine a learner's confidence and hinder their ability to work through challenges independently. Ignoring a mistake can leave misunderstandings unaddressed, allowing incorrect information to persist, while providing the correct answer right away might lead to reliance on the instructor rather than developing the learner’s problem-solving skills. By guiding learners to navigate their own mistakes, you help them build confidence in their abilities and encourage a growth mindset, essential for effective learning.