How should a child respond if they make a mistake and acknowledge it during testing?

In a testing scenario, particularly with the WISC-V, the ideal response for a child who acknowledges a mistake is to keep working as fast as they can. This approach allows the child to maintain their momentum and focus on the remainder of the test, which is important for several reasons.

Firstly, tests like the WISC-V often have time limits, so it's crucial for the child to maximize the number of items attempted. Stopping to correct mistakes can consume valuable time, potentially preventing the child from completing the test. Additionally, worry or frustration over a mistake can impact performance on subsequent tasks. By continuing to work quickly, the child can avoid getting bogged down in past errors, which may help them perform better overall.

In contrast, revisiting the mistake after completing the test might be helpful in some situations, but it could also lead to time management issues. Getting frustrated and seeking assistance diverts attention from the self-sufficiency encouraged in such assessments. Immediate correction of the mistake could lead to disruption in the flow of thought, which is not ideal in a timed testing environment.

Therefore, continuing to work efficiently, rather than dwelling on past errors, helps the child focus on their current performance, ultimately supporting a better outcome on the assessment.