Ending state education uneducated (“My daughter, a rude mechanical”, TES , Sept. 6, p. 24) is perhaps a result of years of non-confrontational teaching. Comments such as “Four twos are nine, Jason? Well, that’s quite a good answer.” (Stay on top in the league table of assertiveness, Gerald Haigh, TES Friday , Sept. 6, p. 29) should never be heard by any child. If children are to develop fully psychologically it is important they learn that answers can be wrong. Saying an answer is close is acceptable, but saying an incorrect answer is good sends completely the wrong message.
Hazel Rea, Colchesternbsp;nbsp;nbsp;