What is the primary benefit of using error correction in teaching?

The primary benefit of using error correction in teaching is that it guides learners to correct their misunderstandings. Error correction provides specific feedback that helps students identify where their thinking or performance has gone awry. By addressing errors directly, learners can gain a clearer understanding of the correct concepts or procedures, which enhances their knowledge retention and skill mastery.

Through this process, students are encouraged to reflect on their mistakes, thereby reinforcing learning. Instead of discouraging mistakes entirely, which can create anxiety, error correction fosters a growth mindset by emphasizing that errors are a natural part of the learning process and can be valuable learning opportunities. Moreover, guiding learners to correct their misunderstandings promotes active engagement in their own learning journey, allowing them to become more autonomous and skilled in problem-solving.