The Impact of Red Pens on Student Mental Health and Learning

As a high school teacher, I am always looking for ways to support my students’ mental health and create a positive learning environment. One simple change I have made is to stop using red pens for corrections and grading. While it may seem like a small detail, research suggests that the use of red pens can have a negative impact on students’ self-esteem, attitude towards learning, and overall mental health.

For many students, seeing a red mark on their paper can trigger feelings of shame, inadequacy, and failure. This negative emotional response can be particularly harmful for students who already struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. It can also reinforce a focus on grades and performance rather than on the learning process itself, which can discourage students from taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them.

Furthermore, the use of red pens may contribute to a culture of perfectionism, where students feel pressure to be perfect and avoid making mistakes at all costs. This can create a barrier to learning, as students may become afraid to take on new challenges or ask for help when they need it. It can also lead to a lack of resilience and perseverance, as students may give up easily when faced with obstacles or setbacks.

To address these issues, I have made a conscious effort to use alternative methods for providing feedback and corrections. For example, I may use a different color pen, provide feedback through written comments or verbal feedback, or use a rubric or checklist to highlight areas for improvement without focusing on errors. By providing constructive feedback in a supportive and non-threatening way, I hope to encourage my students to see mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than as failures to be avoided.

Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment requires a multifaceted approach. As teachers, we must be mindful of the messages we send to our students, both implicitly and explicitly. By taking small but meaningful steps, such as avoiding the use of red pens, we can help create a safe and supportive space where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to learn and grow.