What if failure isn't the opposite of success but the very path to it?
This Saturday, we're not just reading a book —
We're challenging a mindset.
Join us for a thought-provoking Masterclass as we dive into Dr Manu Kapur's groundbreaking work:
📘 Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing
Whether you're an educator, a leader, or a lifelong learner —
This session will shift how you approach challenges, growth, and learning.
Let's move from fearing failure to harnessing it.
💬 We're ready to fail better.
Are you?
About Manu Kapur, summarised using AI
Manu is the Director of the Singapore-ETH Center and a Professor of Learning Sciences at ETH Zurich, where he also leads The Future Learning Initiative. Previously, he was a Professor at the Education University of Hong Kong and held positions at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. With a background in mechanical engineering, he has a strong passion for mathematics, having taught it at the college level and led Singapore’s team at the International Mathematical Olympiad.
About Manu Kapur, summarised using AI
Manu is the Director of the Singapore-ETH Center and a Professor of Learning Sciences at ETH Zurich, where he also leads The Future Learning Initiative. Previously, he was a Professor at the Education University of Hong Kong and held positions at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. With a background in mechanical engineering, he has a strong passion for mathematics, having taught it at the college level and led Singapore’s team at the International Mathematical Olympiad.
Manu holds multiple degrees including a PhD in the science of learning from Columbia University, where he also earned a Master of Science in Applied Statistics and a Master of Education from NIE, Singapore. He focuses on enhancing human learning through his theory of Productive Failure, aimed at improving mathematical education. His research has influenced Singapore’s national mathematics curriculum and garnered extensive media attention, securing around US$13m in funding.
He has directed significant educational programs, received visiting professorships worldwide, and is a sought-after keynote speaker. Additionally, Manu has served as an associate editor for leading journals in the learning and cognitive sciences.
Session recording available on our YouTube Channel @MyGoodSchool
I believe this book is going to reframe the way we see setbacks and the entire learning process. Indeed it's more than just reading because it’s reshaping our mindset. Eager to dive in more into this book!
ReplyDeleteNo assignment, just my honest reflections😄
Thank you! I’m excited about the upcoming year and am eager to dive into an inspiring and impactful Masterclass for 2025-26!
ReplyDeleteAfter attending the introductory session on "Productive Failure," I'm left with a sense of intrigue and curiosity. I'm excited to dive deeper into the upcoming sessions, where I hope to gain practical insights on how to apply this mindset in my own life and work. I'm eager to learn more about how productive failure can become a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I’ve read the book, and it truly transformed me! As a school improvement coach, I now have a renewed passion for fostering the joy of learning in others. It feels great to embrace this positive change!
Delete“Yesterday ’s session embraced this mindset beautifully. The activities encouraged curiosity, resilience, and creative thinking. Students engaged with challenges through visuals, promoting deeper understanding and learning from mistakes. The picture quizzes sparked meaningful discussions, revealing that setbacks are not stumbling blocks but stepping stones. Overall, it was an inspiring session that reminded everyone: success isn’t about avoiding failure — it’s about growing through it.” Tanuja Jha
ReplyDeleteProductive failure:
ReplyDelete- A valuable learning experience
- Leads to growth and improvement
- Fosters resilience and innovation
- Turns setbacks into stepping stones for success
This book is indeed amazing and and would really want to dive deep into this for growth and changed mindset.
It's been an effective opening session of the book "Productive Failure" where our respected host, Sandeep sir embarked on the journey of the new read 'Productive Failure' with a few introductory pages exhibiting the life situations where the author himself faced some challenges and we are about to unfold a few more things of Manu Kapur's life as we move ahead which surely will leave a lasting effect on us with a great learning.
ReplyDeleteFailure is often seen as the opposite of success—a sign that something went wrong. But Productive Failure challenges that definition. According to Manu Kapur, failure isn't about being wrong or not knowing. It's about the process of learning.
ReplyDeleteFailure, in this sense, is not a dead end—it's a doorway. It's what happens when students try to solve a problem that they haven't been taught how to solve yet. They may not reach the correct solution, but in their attempts, they activate prior knowledge, test ideas, make connections, and surface misconceptions.
The traditional view of Failure is very beautifully challenged by Manu Kapur. After attending the introductory class, I feel that it suggests, struggling and even failing during the learning process can deepen understanding and lead to more meaningful success.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the entire book reading.
Yes, I eagerly read the second time with you!
ReplyDeleteI'm already brainstorming ways to incorporate more elements of productive failure into my lessons. Perhaps starting with slightly more open-ended problems or encouraging students to try different approaches before seeking help. I'm also considering how to facilitate effective debriefing sessions where we analyze the mistakes made and extract valuable lessons from them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for organizing such a thought-provoking session. It has definitely given me a fresh perspective on how to foster deeper and more resilient learning in my classroom.