Don't you hate it when you're in the middle of a discussion trying to guide your students to the right answer, but it seems like every time they say something incorrect and you need to keep telling them no?! They're getting closer and closer to the answer and you want them to keep thinking, but you don't want to sound discouraging.
Me too! My goal during discussions is to keep the kids thinking, even if they are wrong! I want them to keep a growth mindset and continue to persevere and learn from their mistakes.
Therefore, instead of simply saying, "No, that's incorrect," and moving to the next student, I put together a list of 44 ways to continue a discussion when students are incorrect and you want them to keep trying!
DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY, "NO, THAT'S WRONG!"
Let's try again, your answer isn't exactly accurate.
Great effort, lets try for a different answer.
I can see you've put thought into it, but that's not quite right.
That's not exactly what we were looking for. Let's revisit the question.
Your answer wasn't exact, but don't worry, let's try again.
Let's try that again, perhaps you may have misunderstood the question.
Your response wasn't quite correct, but can we try approaching it differently?
That's a common mistake, but what else can we think of?
Keep trying, your response is not correct yet, but you'll get there!
Not quite, but you're almost there. Keep up the effort!
As a teacher, you know that encouraging your students to keep going can be challenging. While you want to push them to succeed, it's important not to discourage them in the process. It's essential to acknowledge their efforts and let them know that they are on the right track. Remind them that progress is progress, no matter how small, and that each step they take is a valuable learning experience.
Encouraging students by asking them questions, or leading them to the correct answer without giving it away is the approach that promotes critical thinking skills and helps students develop their problem-solving abilities. This is what we are all working towards, teaching students to be independent critical thinkers.
Okay, now the students are thinking and they are heading in the right direction! But you can only say "Keep going" so many times before they give up. Remember, the path to the right answer can be just as important as the answer itself. Be sure to encourage students when they are close to the right answer!
DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY, "YOU'RE CLOSE! KEEP TRYING!"
Almost, let's keep on thinking and exploring.
Not quite, keep using your brain to figure it out.
Go deeper into your thoughts and ideas!
You're making progress, keep trying to solve the puzzle in your mind.
Good try! Use your smart thinking skills to find the correct answer.
If you never give up, I'm sure we can find the answer!
You're getting there, let's keep asking questions and seeking answers.
Let's think a little more carefully and uncover more information.
That's not it, but let's start a journey to explore and understand.
Great! Now we know the answer, but they need to explain their thinking and add more details! As we know, it is never enough to just give an answer, you need to be able to explain how you got there or elaborate! Sometimes their explanation sounds correct... but you need an example from them to be certain they really understood!
DIFFERENT WAYS TO SAY, "YOU NEED TO ADD MORE!"
Can you give me more information on that answer?
That's a good start, can you provide more context?
I think you're onto something, but could you give more specifics?
That's a good point, could you give more examples?
That's a good idea, but can you provide more explanation?
Your answer has potential, but it needs more elaboration.
Your response is heading in the right direction, but it needs more clarity.
I think you're almost there, but could you provide more evidence?
Your answer is missing some important facts, could you provide them?
Your response has potential, but it needs more depth.
Finally, when you are feeling at a loss for words and just need a little more motivation to keep the students going, say something highly creative to boost their engagement!
HIGHLY CREATIVE WAYS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS!
Your answer is dancing around the truth, let's try to pin it down!
You're shooting for the stars, but we need to adjust the aim a bit.
Your answer is like a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit, let's find the right spot.
Let's rewind and revisit the question, we need to fast-forward to the correct answer.
Your answer is a little lost in translation, let's bring it back to the original meaning.
The question is like a jigsaw puzzle, let's rearrange the pieces and try again.
Let's put on our problem-solving hats and approach the question from a different angle.
That's a common slip-up, but let's learn from it and move forward to the right answer.
Your answer is like a flower that hasn't fully bloomed yet, keep nurturing it.
I appreciate your dedication, let's keep striving for the correct answer together.
In my own classroom, changing some things up a bit can help keep the students more engaged and motivated to keep trying! Especially if I say something creative and a little wacky!
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