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The Science of Learning from Failure
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:24
Abstract
Failing is an inseparable part of learning. Yet, understanding how we can benefit from failing remains often unexplored. This course combines research from the learning sciences, as well as educational and cognitive psychology, to address the question of how and why we can learn from failing within the context of human learning.
Objective
Students will engage in the following activities: - Critically read and analyze research articles addressing learning and failure in academic settings. - Participate in in-class problem-solving and discussion activities around the research on failure. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: - Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role that failure plays in learning. - Discuss how, why, and when failure can benefit or hinder learning. The final grade will primarily be based on two components: a class presentation and a final paper critically reflecting on one of the discussed topics.
Content
Failing a class, practical course, or exam accompanies many students during their academic careers. However, understanding that failure can be a learning booster often fades into the background. In this course, we will focus on failing as an essential part of any learning process. We will reflect on and discuss how and why we can learn from failure from a cognitive and educational perspective to address its role in human learning. To do so, the students will gain an understanding of how we learn and, in this context, have the chance to critically examine how failure affects the process of knowledge acquisition. All students are welcome, and there are no prerequisites of prior knowledge to follow the course's contents. This is an interactive course in which we encourage all students' personal input and participation. This course will only be held in English.
Resources
Lecture Notes
No script will be used. Lecture slides and research articles used throughout the course will form the basis for the theoretical content of the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DZ , DS , SHE
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 60
- Signup End
- 04.10.2023
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
The Science of Learning from Failure
This seminar is an interactive course. Thus attendance and classroom participation are always required.
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Educational Science for Teaching Diploma and TC (These are the general course offerings of the programmes Teaching Diploma (TD) - categories Educational Science and Compulsory Elective Courses - and Teaching Certificate (TC) - category Educational Science.)