Fail Forward

Productive failure is already a trend in connected, collaborative, learning. Research is mixed regarding learner center pedagogy and more controlled approaches. What we know for sure is we will win some and lose some in life. Learning to fail forward is a win.

Fear of failure is a common barrier to success. How many of us were “taught” how to fail? The fact that we fail sometimes seems to be a secret no one wants to talk about. I am a focus, take action and get it done kind of girl. That works often. However, some of my most monumental failures came from neglecting proper planning, process, and strategy. It was only through that pain, coaching, and support that I got better. Strategy and execution receive equal air time now.

Adult learners have a growing reservoir of experience that becomes a growing resource for learning. Without the failures, and the people who helped me recognize and grow from them, I cringe when I think how long, or even if I would have developed new behaviors, skills and competencies.

As we grapple with ways to incorporate the best edtech tools to make connected, collaborative learning happen, imagine connecting learners in problem solving first! Then fill in the gaps with coursework. Next, send the learners outside the formal learning space again to practice, create, and apply.