Technique 49: Normalize Error
"Getting it wrong and then getting it right is one of the fundamental processes for schooling. Respond to both parts of this sequence, the wrong and the right, as completely normal."
- Doug Lemov page 222 of Teach Like a Champion
Doug Lemov explains at the beginning of this technique that error followed by correction and instruction is the fundamental process of schooling. You have to normalize error and respond to both parts (getting it wrong and getting it right) completely normal.
The first step in making this technique work is to not chasten or excuse wrong answers. You do not need to say things like "No, we talked about this earlier today. Molly, you need to follow the scientific method" or "That one was really tough, Drew. Don't worry you will get the next one!". Wrong answers are a very normal part of the learning process. The best way to handle wrong answers is to not give them much narration at all. Instead of talking about the wrongness you should work on fixing it as quickly as possible. You can actually skip the step of taking the time to name an answer right or wrong. You can say something like " What is the first thing we do when we solve this kind of problem, Kevin?". If you say this you make no mention of whether or not the answer was correct or not. By not telling them they have to figure out the mistakes on their own, which will enhance learning. In some situations you have to address if the answer is incorrect, in these instances you should do it very quickly and simply.
The next piece of the puzzle when it comes to this technique is right answers. When it comes to right answers you can't flatter or fuss over the student. When you make too much of a fuss over a student's correct answer you suggest to the student that you are surprised that they got the question correct. This can cause students to stop taking risks, many students think that if they begin to answer questions wrong they will not be seen as smart anymore. It is much more effective to praise students for their hard work. Good teachers show their students that they expect both right and wrong answers by not making a big deal out of either.
- Doug Lemov page 222 of Teach Like a Champion
Doug Lemov explains at the beginning of this technique that error followed by correction and instruction is the fundamental process of schooling. You have to normalize error and respond to both parts (getting it wrong and getting it right) completely normal.
The first step in making this technique work is to not chasten or excuse wrong answers. You do not need to say things like "No, we talked about this earlier today. Molly, you need to follow the scientific method" or "That one was really tough, Drew. Don't worry you will get the next one!". Wrong answers are a very normal part of the learning process. The best way to handle wrong answers is to not give them much narration at all. Instead of talking about the wrongness you should work on fixing it as quickly as possible. You can actually skip the step of taking the time to name an answer right or wrong. You can say something like " What is the first thing we do when we solve this kind of problem, Kevin?". If you say this you make no mention of whether or not the answer was correct or not. By not telling them they have to figure out the mistakes on their own, which will enhance learning. In some situations you have to address if the answer is incorrect, in these instances you should do it very quickly and simply.
The next piece of the puzzle when it comes to this technique is right answers. When it comes to right answers you can't flatter or fuss over the student. When you make too much of a fuss over a student's correct answer you suggest to the student that you are surprised that they got the question correct. This can cause students to stop taking risks, many students think that if they begin to answer questions wrong they will not be seen as smart anymore. It is much more effective to praise students for their hard work. Good teachers show their students that they expect both right and wrong answers by not making a big deal out of either.