Failure is the Key to Learning

Failure sucks (obviously) but it's necessary for learning and for future success. Failing a test or getting a bad mark is a hard pill to swallow, it's especially difficult to accept the damage it does to our self-esteem and confidence, though it provides such a valuable lesson for everyone. 

It teaches resilience and perseverance, builds our sense of determination, and our self-esteem when we finally succeed. It's a set back in the moment, but gives us opportunities to grow, we wouldn't have otherwise had if we are always successful. 

Highlighting the effort put into work, and the perseverance needed to continue an activity after failing is a necessary aspect in the learning process, and are necessary for building a students determination and willingness to succeed. Failure is never final, it is just an opportunity to learn, and such opportunities should be valued to both students and educators. Although it damages confidence in the moment, it builds confidence in the long run, which is an invaluable lesson to all. 

Click here to learn more about how to manage failures with your students: 

https://www.oxfordlearning.com/the-role-of-failure-in-learning/#:~:text=It's%20OK%20to%20Fail,is%20an%20opportunity%20to%20grow.

Courtesy of DianaP@ NU