How should instructors handle errors observed during practice?

• A. Publicly humiliate students
• B. Wait until the end to address errors
• C. Correct errors privately and guide improvement
• D. Replace the student with a model

Answer: (C)

When students make mistakes during practice, providing private, corrective guidance is most effective. Correcting errors privately preserves their dignity, reduces anxiety, and keeps them engaged, so they feel safe to take risks and keep trying. This approach allows you to give specific, actionable feedback—clear what went wrong and precise steps to improve—along with an opportunity to practice the corrected approach right away. Immediate, discreet feedback helps solidify learning without interrupting others or turning mistakes into public performances. Public humiliation undermines motivation and trust; waiting until the end misses bite-sized learning moments; and replacing the student with a model defeats the purpose of practice, which is for the learner to develop skills through guided effort.