Why Confidence Should Be a Key Metric in Education

During my time tutoring mechanics, I’ve observed a recurring issue: students often doubt their own results, even when tackling straightforward problems. They claim to understand the problem-solving process but remain unsure if their solutions are correct. This lack of confidence indicates that merely verifying the correctness of a solution isn't enough to gauge a student's comprehension. Instead, measuring their confidence could provide better insights into their understanding.

Why Confidence Matters

Confidence in solving a problem implies a deep understanding of each step involved, rather than relying on guesses or intuition. But how can we measure this confidence effectively? One straightforward method is to ask students to rate their confidence before submitting their solution. This encourages them to identify areas of uncertainty, which can then be addressed with targeted exercises. By the end of the course, students should be able to solve problems confidently.

Verifying True Confidence

However, we need a way to ensure that a student’s declared confidence is genuine. This isn’t about doubting their honesty, but rather about helping them accurately assess their own understanding. There should be a consequence if the solution is wrong to create a meaningful incentive. Conversely, correct solutions should yield rewards. This approach applies when students indicate they are more than 95% confident in their answer. Below that threshold, there are no consequences, just additional tailored exercises.

Why 95% and not 100%? In my opinion, one should never be 100% certain about a solution or opinion, as there is always a possibility of oversight. This mindset encourages continuous learning and humility.

Proposed Solutions

1. Financial Consequence: Before submitting a solution, students could place a small wager (e.g., $5) that if their solution is incorrect, they will donate that amount to a specified charity or organization. If correct, they receive a congratulatory message and mark the problem as solved. This method has a financial consequence and benefits the organization through donations. While this could be highly effective, it raises concerns about encouraging gambling behavior and legal implications, which warrant further discussion.
2. Point System: Implementing a point system where students gain one point for a correct solution but lose ten points for an incorrect one. This system maintains a balance of rewards and consequences without financial stakes, making it a potentially more acceptable solution.

Seeking Further Solutions

These are my initial ideas, but I’m eager to explore more ways to tackle this issue. What do you think of my solutions? Can you suggest additional methods? Please share your thoughts via email or join our discussion on our Discord server.

Best regards,

Martin Stoimenov