The Biological Benefits of Failure on Learning and Tools to Manage the Fallout

Abstract

Failure can be an effective tool for learning, but it comes with negative consequences. Educators and learners should practice strategies that leverage the benefits of failure while managing its negative consequences on learners’ motivation and persistence. Towards that goal, this paper examines the biological effects of failure on learning to (1) explain how failure primes the brain for learning and (2) propose behavioral strategies for coping with the negative consequences, focusing on postsecondary students. This conceptual literature review article draws upon neuroscience literature to explain biological mechanisms related to failure and education literature to explore connections to learning theory and environments. The paper is organized into two major sections: (1) the benefits of failure and (2) tools to deal with its negative effects. Within each section, the paper describes related neurochemicals and behavioral strategies to affect them that could be explored in educational settings. By understanding these biological effects, we can better design learning environments and support students through failure. Each section of the paper also describes non-invasive research tools that could be used to study the effects of interventions that aim to improve students’ experience of failure in education.