Question: Correct It? Or Not?

I spoke to a couple of fellow teachers about their grading techniques. Basically, when they assign a worksheet or activity, do they "accept" the completed assignment mistakes and all? Or do they show the child the correct way to do the work, and continue to make the child go back to do it over until the work is done correctly?

The answers I got were varied, but mostly they echoed my philosophy about what I do.

If I want a true representation of what the child is capable of doing, I accept the paper the first time it's handed in to me. The only exception to this rule is if I know the child did not give it an honest attempt, but simply rushed through it as fast as he could to be the first one finished. The majority of the time, when I take a "true rep." paper is when I need to file it in their portfolios for future reference.

But the rest of the time, if a child brings me a paper he's had difficulty finishing, I help him with it, pointing out his errors and making him go back to try again.

What is your stance on the children doing their work correctly?