Background: To cope with online education, I taught linear algebra using a variant of the flipped classroom. I recorded videos and put them up on YouTube and students presented the content in these videos during class - sometimes in pairs, sometimes individually. During the presentation, I used to point out gaps or lack of understanding.
Long story short, the students did not gain much from the course - especially towards the end of the course. My students did terribly in their final exam. As they all did terribly, I feel I failed them. I had a conversation with them and they said that me pointing out their mistakes or lack of understanding demotivated them. Sending them to a vicious cycle and the result of the final exam is a consequence.
I also taught an IBL course and a colleague attended this course. He too told me that I shouldn't say "You are wrong" - it demotivates the students. At the time I had argued, "how else will they learn?".
Question: Is it wrong to say "you are wrong"? If yes, how do we correct mistakes in a way that is not demotivating? My policy has been, give elaborate feedback, but grade leniently. But, feedback often meant I point out their mistakes. Of course, I was also generous with praise. How can I give feedback that is not demotivating?
I didn't use the exact phrase "you are wrong". I used different phrases in different situations. I mostly said the argument was wrong. I do, however, say "I don't think you have understood this concept". Sometimes they reply I understand; I am just unable to explain. So, I generally add the disclaimer - "I do not mean you did not understand anything, but there is some lack of understanding. If you cannot explain, that means you have not understood the concept well enough".
