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The Science of Learning From Failure
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:08:14
Abstract
We can learn from failure! But, what does “failure” mean? And, what, how, and why do we learn from failure? This course covers research from the cognitive, educational, and learning sciences that addresses the role of failure in human learning. Students will critically examine how failure affects thinking, knowledge, creativity, problem-solving, etc.
Objective
Students will: - Critically read and analyze articles on research that addresses failure in learning. - Participate in in-class problem-solving activities around research in failure. - Discuss and reflect upon topics in both online and face-to-face formats. - Engage in activities through the online platform. - Complete a final paper on a subtopic related to failure in learning. By the end of the course, students should be able to: - Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role that failure plays in learning. - Discuss how and why failure can benefit learning. - Discuss how and why failure does not facilitate learning. - Apply understanding to a related sub-topic.
Content
We learn from our mistakes, or rather, we certainly hope that we do. Another way to say this is that we can learn from failure. But, what does “failure” mean? And, what, how, and why do we learn from failure? This course covers research from the cognitive, educational, and learning sciences that addresses the role of failure in human learning. Students will critically examine how failure affects development of knowledge, creativity, problem-solving, and general thinking and learning. More specifically, they will have the opportunity to question and evaluate the potential relationships between the facets around failure within individual, interactional, cultural, societal, and global contexts through seminal readings and problem-solving activities oriented to real world issues. Students from any discipline are welcome to this course to learn more about how failure can be harnessed to improve our knowledge, capabilities, innovations, teamwork, and contribute to the larger global world.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- SHE , DZ , DS
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 60
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
The Science of Learning From Failure
Groups are selected in myStudies.
Because we work interactively, the first two sessions are important.
This course will be held in two groups (one in English and one in German): max. 30 participants per group
|
|
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.)