No one enjoys getting a test back covered in red marks, but mistakes can be a student’s most valuable teacher—if handled well. The key is to view errors not as proof of inability, but as a roadmap to improvement.
Step One
When reviewing a graded assignment, start by identifying patterns in the mistakes. Were they caused by rushed work, misunderstanding a concept, or misreading the question? Each type of error calls for a different fix—slowing down, revisiting the lesson, or practicing with a tutor.
Step Two
Write a quick “fix-it plan” after each major assessment. This might mean adding extra practice in a specific skill or seeking feedback from a teacher. Over time, students who engage with their mistakes tend to see fewer of them.
Mistakes sting in the moment, but they also provide clarity. Every wrong answer is a chance to close a gap, strengthen understanding, and step into the next challenge with more confidence.
Step Three
Keep reviewing, analyzing, and asking questions! Make this type of review a priority in your study plans!
The AJ Approach
With finals just around the corner and first semester starting to wind down, reviewing errors and making plans has never been more important. Identifying mistakes is key, but so is understanding the “why” behind that mistake. Is it an issue with fundamentals, was the student rushing, and so on! Asking these questions is an important element of 1:1 tutoring sessions and can better inform a tutor’s approach to supporting a student. Every student is unique and their tutoring should reflect that!
