The Power of Mistakes: Growth Mindset and Brain Development

December 4, 2023

Mistakes aren’t just opportunities for learning—they are the very moments when the brain grows. Neuroscientific research shows heightened brain activity during errors, especially among students with a growth mindset.

Cultivating a classroom culture where mistakes are welcomed encourages metacognition and resilience. As Piaget suggested, learning happens during disequilibrium—when current knowledge is challenged, and adaptation occurs. How do you frame mistakes in your classroom? Are they stepping stones or stumbling blocks?