Question
To grow, accept failure
Although it seems axiomatic that we learn and grow through trial and error, few studies have looked specifically at how making mistakes affects a student’s ability to learn. Even so, a teaching approach that embraces this style of learning has been gaining traction in K-12 and university curricula. It’s called inquiry-based learning, which basically means that students uncover knowledge by themselves. It is also sometimes called problem- or discovery-based learning.
At the forefront of the movement to spread inquiry-based learning is Mary Walker, a clinical professor in the natural sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. She also is associate director of the UTeach program there. Since 1997, it has trained college students to teach STEM subjects in high schools using inquiry-based instruction. At its core, this method encourages students to risk making mistakes and to work together in experimenting and solving problems.
“If you’re engaged in a hard problem, you’re developing an attitude that failure is okay,” says Walker. “Accepting failure helps you learn,” she notes. Moreover, you’re learning by working together.
Discovery-based learning is learning that relies on...
frequent field trips.
listening to lectures.
taking risks and failing.
not having any structure.
Although it seems axiomatic that we learn and grow through trial and error, few studies have looked specifically at how making mistakes affects a student’s ability to learn. Even so, a teaching approach that embraces this style of learning has been gaining traction in K-12 and university curricula. It’s called inquiry-based learning, which basically means that students uncover knowledge by themselves. It is also sometimes called problem- or discovery-based learning.
At the forefront of the movement to spread inquiry-based learning is Mary Walker, a clinical professor in the natural sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. She also is associate director of the UTeach program there. Since 1997, it has trained college students to teach STEM subjects in high schools using inquiry-based instruction. At its core, this method encourages students to risk making mistakes and to work together in experimenting and solving problems.
“If you’re engaged in a hard problem, you’re developing an attitude that failure is okay,” says Walker. “Accepting failure helps you learn,” she notes. Moreover, you’re learning by working together.
Discovery-based learning is learning that relies on...
frequent field trips.
listening to lectures.
taking risks and failing.
not having any structure.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Discovery-based learning is learning that relies on **taking risks and failing**. This approach encourages students to engage with challenging problems, make mistakes, and learn collaboratively, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter.