What practice is essential when allowing students to learn from their mistakes?

The practice of providing corrective feedback is essential for allowing students to learn from their mistakes because it involves giving specific information about what went wrong and how they can improve. This type of feedback helps students understand their errors in a constructive way, encouraging them to engage with the material more deeply. When students receive corrective feedback, they have the opportunity to reconsider their responses, analyze their thought processes, and make adjustments based on the insights provided. This process not only reinforces learning but also builds resilience and helps students develop a growth mindset, where they view mistakes as valuable learning opportunities rather than failures.

In contrast, while self-assessment allows students to reflect on their own work and gauge their understanding, it may not directly address specific errors or provide the guidance needed to correct them. Group reflection can promote collective learning and encourage discussion among peers; however, it may not provide the individual feedback that each student needs. Formative assessment is a crucial component of the learning process as it offers ongoing feedback about student understanding, but it doesn't necessarily involve the direct, corrective element needed for students to learn effectively from their mistakes. Therefore, corrective feedback stands out as the most essential practice in this context.