Often modern culture is so focused on success or perfection that sometimes we miss the benefits of failure. In fact, failure is such a negative word, it seems bizarre to most that it can actually be a good thing. With students, their failures tend to linger, creating a negative mindset that can interfere with their learning. Encouraging students to accept failure as part of life and realise that it is often a good thing, is an important lesson on their road to success. Here’s some of the reasons why failure is a good thing for students.
Why Do Students Need To Embrace Failure?
Students failures tend to hold them back- it can prevent them from following their dreams, having a go at something new or even trying again multiple times. In fact, often they don’t even realise that failure is a good thing! It’s important they understand sooner rather than later that failure is what helps people grow, learn, and find new opportunities. Here’s just some of the benefits students can focus on.
The Benefits of Failing
It Makes Students Stronger
If students don’t get the results they want, it can make them more determined to succeed next time. Even though at first, they will probably feel slightly discouraged and frustrated with themselves, often this can follow with a burst of motivation and strength to try again and focus on a better outcome.
It’s a Learning Curve
Even though failing doesn’t always feel great, it’s a fantastic learning curve for students. In fact, every time a student fails, they are simply learning another way it doesn’t work. Developing a growth mindset like this, rather than seeing every failure as a negative, is how people become successful. Don’t take our word from it- just look at lightbulb inventor Thomas Edison, who failed hundreds of times until he had a breakthrough. Instead of students getting down in the dumps about failing, it’s important to encourage them to find the strength to try again and solve the problem. This is what helps students grow and move outside of their comfort zone. After all, if they never fail, they will never succeed.
It Provides New Opportunities
Even though failure may feel frustrating for students in the moment, it’s important they use it as a fresh opportunity to try again. As students prepare to try again or do something different- it’s a great idea for them to keep these key questions in mind.
- How could I have done better?
- What skills do I need to improve?
- What are the steps I need to take to get there?
Answering these questions means they can use the lessons learned from failing to avoid making the same mistakes. Failing is not only a chance for students to have another try, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to grow and perhaps even head in a new direction that’s better than expected.
It Helps Them Grow
Failure can be an efficient but often harsh teacher. Students who integrate mistakes into their educational process are going to be more prepared to listen to feedback that can help them grow academically and as a person. As soon as students realise that there’s no such thing as perfection, they will also be more willing to take risks and be ready to embrace failure rather than fear it.
