Problematic Practice #3: Why "Is This Right?" Deserves More Than a Simple Yes or No

In math classrooms, a common student question is, “Is this right?” It’s tempting to respond with a quick “yes” or “no,” but while this may save time in the moment, it can shortchange students in the long run. This seemingly harmless response can hinder their ability to develop deep mathematical understanding and confidence as problem solvers.

Why It’s a Problematic Practice

When we respond with a simple “yes” or “no,” we unintentionally send the message that correctness is the primary goal, overshadowing the importance of understanding the reasoning behind the solution. Here’s why this practice falls short:

1. Shifts Focus from Understanding to Correctness

   Students become more concerned with the final answer than the process that led them there. This discourages them from engaging deeply with the concepts at hand.

2. Discourages Critical Thinking

   By giving a direct answer, we remove the opportunity for students to analyze their own work and think critically about their approach.

3. Fosters Dependency on Validation

   Relying on teacher approval for correctness can erode students’ confidence in their ability to assess their own work.

4. Limits Reflection and Revision

   Without the chance to reflect on their reasoning, students miss opportunities to identify errors and strengthen their understanding through revision.

More Promising Practices

Instead of giving immediate validation, we can use strategies that promote mathematical reasoning, self-assessment, and collaboration. Here’s how:

1. Ask Students to Explain Their Reasoning

   Respond to “Is this right?” with, “Walk me through your thinking. Why do you believe this is the answer?” This encourages students to reflect on their approach and articulate their reasoning.

2. Guide Self-Assessment with Thoughtful Questions

   Use prompts like:

   • “How did you arrive at this solution?”

   • “Does your answer make sense in the context of the problem?”

     These questions help students evaluate their own work and consider alternative approaches.

3. Encourage Peer Collaboration

   Foster a classroom culture where students turn to one another for feedback. Pair them up to discuss their thinking or evaluate each other’s solutions. This not only builds communication skills but also reinforces the idea that learning is a shared journey.

4. Support Productive Struggle

   Give students the space and time to wrestle with a problem before stepping in. Struggle is a key part of the learning process, and by encouraging persistence, we empower students to own their learning and improve through effort.

The Bigger Picture

Shifting away from simple yes/no responses helps students move beyond surface-level understanding to develop critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. It transforms the classroom into a space where students are empowered to trust their thinking, reflect on their processes, and grow as confident, independent learners.

When we focus on fostering understanding rather than correctness, we’re not just teaching math—we’re teaching students how to think. And that’s a lesson that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Pamela Seda, Ph.D.

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