Answer — Exercise 2
2.1 - The best mistakes·Speakout Advanced Plus - Students' Book
Question
- Read the article on the value of making mistakes. Which ideas in Exercise 1B are discussed in the article? What is the article's perspective on them?
- Read the article again. Are the sentences true (T), false (F) or not given (NG)? Where possible, underline the phrase that helped you decide.
Answer
a)
- 2 → Belng praised: the article seems to support the idea of praise not being important - comparing the effect of praise (USA) and no praise (Japan) with Japanese students doing better.
- 3 → Not being derided: the article mentions that this makes students feel that there are no negative consequences if they make a mistake.
- 4 → Guessing: the article Includes guessing as part of a student's engagement and hence successful learning. Japanese students are expected to struggle. Research shows guessing can enhance the learning process.)
- 6 and 8 → the article reinforces the notion that mistakes are beneficial (in Japan constructive use of error is a teaching technique. People who made a number of mistakes scored higher).
b)
- T → Most report negative sensations - a sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach
- F → ... praise was only given provided that answers were correct.
- T → ... but rather the reason for the error
- NG
- F → The total amount of time allotted was the same for both groups
- T → ... key factors of cognitive and personal engagement, which have long been known to enhance the learning process.
- NG → The psychologist does not specifically refer to classrooms, but learners in general.
- F → ... teachers and learners alike to rethink their quest for instant perfection.