Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

What type of feedback is most valuable in promoting a child's language development?

1. Feedback that corrects child's grammatical mistakes immediately

2. Constructive feedback that builds upon the child's contributions

3. Feedback focusing solely on vocabulary expansion

4. Positive affirmation without suggestions for improvement

The correct answer is: Constructive feedback that builds upon the child's contributions

The most valuable type of feedback in promoting a child's language development is constructive feedback that builds upon the child's contributions. This approach encourages children to express themselves while also validating their efforts. By expanding on what a child has said, an adult can model more complex language structures and vocabulary. This not only reinforces the child's self-esteem but also provides them with new language inputs, helping to enhance their understanding and use of language in a supportive manner. This method draws on the child's current level of understanding and participation, making it relevant and engaging for them. It invites further dialogue and exploration, fostering a richer language learning experience. The feedback encourages children to think critically about their language use and promotes continued interaction, which is essential for language development. In contrast, immediate correction of grammatical mistakes may discourage children from speaking freely, while focusing solely on vocabulary or providing only positive affirmations without constructive suggestions may not offer the necessary guidance for deeper language growth.