Blogs

Mistakes are positive..

by Sundari, December 28 2020

Making mistakes in mathematics is a GOOD thing!

Brain scans indicate that every time a child makes a mistake in mathematics, the child grows a synapse (a brain spark- an increased brain reaction and attention to the mistake). This brain synapse creates an urge to analyze why a method didn’t work and explore new ways to find the correct solution. All children, except the children with dyscalculia, have the capability of learning new strategies.

Brain research shows that deep learning and great neural connections form from making mistakes on doing advanced tasks, which cultivates growth mindset, rather than just having constant success on easy tasks, which results in fixed mindset.

Growth mindset form in children when we let them play with new ideas without judging them, and make them feel comfortable for being wrong. Whereas fixed mindset forms when we make the children feel discomfort when they make mistakes. This fixed mindset restricts the children from exploring new strategies. But the children with the growth mindset would love to accept the new challenges. This mindset gives them seemingly new ideas and let them keep going through difficulties with an open mind.

Parents and teachers should change their approach on how they handle children when they make a mistake in mathematics. Children should be provided with the required opportunities and guidance for exploring new ways to attain deeper understanding, rather than being reprimanded.

The more new tasks a child tries (and make mistakes), the more will be the neural growth and the more challenging tasks a child can handle!