In today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven world, the pressure to succeed often overshadows one of the most powerful learning tools available to us: failure. But what if failure wasn’t something to be feared or avoided? What if, instead, it could be purposefully designed as a springboard for deeper learning, innovation, and resilience?
In a thought-provoking episode of In Conversation with Shiv Puri, Professor Manu Kapur, a leading voice in the field of learning sciences and creator of the Productive Failure approach, explores this compelling concept. Joining host Shiv Puri, the discussion examines the science, strategy, and psychology behind transforming failure into a transformative learning experience.
What is Productive Failure?
At the centre of the discussion is a compelling question: What if we could intentionally design failure to learn from it? Professor Kapur’s research at ETH Zurich has demonstrated that when learners engage in complex problem-solving before receiving direct instruction—even if they fail—they develop a deeper, more enduring understanding of concepts. This process, known as Productive Failure, has far-reaching implications not only in education but also in entrepreneurship, organisational leadership, and personal development.
Who Should Watch or Read This?
This conversation offers invaluable insights for a wide range of audiences:
Students seeking to deepen their understanding and embrace complex challenges
Educators aiming to design more effective, research-based learning environments
Entrepreneurs navigating failure, innovation, and uncertainty
Corporate leaders designing cultures of learning and experimentation
Lifelong learners interested in the intersection of neuroscience, education, and personal development
Key Takeaways
Failure, when designed intentionally, can be a powerful learning tool
Frustration and struggle activate important cognitive processes that lead to deeper learning
Emotional resilience plays a crucial role in sustained learning and innovation
Generative AI can support failure-based learning through simulation and feedback
Performance goals and learning goals must be clearly differentiated in organizations
High performers use failure as feedback, not as a verdict
Watch the Full Episode below:
