Creating a Culture of Error
Overview
Creating a culture of error means creating an environment in which errors are valued and encouraged as a necessary part of the learning process, which can help learners to view errors and learn more positively. This fosters a growth mindset, developing resilience, and a belief that mistakes are opportunities to learn, which is a key part of supporting a Learner Mindset. When teachers consider a learner's logic in making an error, they can then respond with immediate feedback or scaffolding to support the learner in making new connections and correcting misconceptions. Giving students constructive feedback that helps identify misconceptions and encourages effort is critical for creating this culture of error.
Errors often occur when there is a gap between what a student already knows and what they do not yet know and therefore, when students are encouraged to recognize and embrace the gaps in their knowledge, their Curiosity is fostered and learners can explore new strategies and solutions. Ignoring errors can negatively impact learners' confidence, and make them less likely to take intellectual risks in the future, while too much emphasis on getting the answer “right” may also stifle students' Curiosity. Creating a culture of error can also support Creativity, as learners often experience multiple mistakes before discovering a new solution to complex problems. This can support many aspects of learning, particularly those core to STEM, allowing learners to persist during problem-solving, and encouraging learning through trial and error.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how this teacher creates a culture of error by inviting students to make and learn from their mistakes.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Metacognitive Supports Strategies
Goal-setting and monitoring involves teachers working with students to set individualized academic or behavioral goals, plan actions to achieve those goals, and track progress.
When students are able to encourage themselves through kind and motivating self-statements, they are practicing positive self-talk.
