Assignment 1: Puzzle-Based Learning Activity
Abstract
This assignment introduces students to productive failure through library-based puzzle challenges. Students work in groups to solve puzzles without prior instructions, encouraging creativity, reasoning, and persistence.
Introduction
Productive failure is a learning strategy where students first struggle to solve problems before formal teaching. The difficulty helps students build deeper understanding. In the library environment, puzzles are effective tools to develop problem-solving skills and confidence.
Objectives
To develop critical thinking and collaboration.
To understand that failure is a step toward success.
To build patience and perseverance.
To learn problem-solving skills independently.
Methodology / Procedure
Students were divided into groups of 4–5.
Each group received a puzzle set (jigsaw, number puzzle, or word puzzle) without instructions.
Students attempted solving the puzzle within 20 minutes.
After effort and discussion, guidance was provided.
Students reflected on their strategies and improvements.
Findings
Students initially struggled and felt confused.
Gradually, they developed strategies and teamwork.
When guidance was given, they quickly solved it with improved understanding.
Students realized that mistakes helped them learn faster.
Librarian Reflection
Students actively participated and showed a positive attitude toward challenges. Productive failure proved valuable for enhancing problem-solving skills. The classroom environment became more collaborative and encouraging.
Conclusion
The activity proved that failure can become a foundation for success. Students learned to analyze problems, communicate, and persist. Productive failure strengthened confidence and learning.
Assignment 2: Story Writing from Moral Story Ending
Abstract
This activity used open-ended story writing to demonstrate productive failure. Students wrote their own conclusion to a story without guidance, promoting imagination and self-learning.
Introduction
Creative writing encourages students to think independently and explore original ideas. Struggling initially helps them reflect and improve. Productive failure becomes meaningful through self-correction.
Objectives
To encourage creative thinking.
To learn to build original ideas after facing difficulty.
To improve language and writing skills.
To develop confidence through self-evaluation.
Methodology / Procedure
Students were given a moral story without an ending.
They were asked to create their ending individually.
After completion, examples and suggestions were shared.
Students compared their ideas and improved their writing.
Findings
Many students found it hard to start.
Later, they created unique and imaginative endings.
Peer discussion helped refine ideas.
Final writings improved greatly.
Librarian Reflection
Students experienced challenge at the start but enjoyed creativity later. Productive struggle encouraged deeper thinking and independent writing.
Conclusion
The activity highlighted that failure motivates improvement. Students became capable of expressing original ideas confidently.
Assignment 3: Library Book Hunt Activity
Abstract
A library book hunt was conducted to help students explore self-learning and problem-solving through a clue-based search. Difficulty increased engagement and teamwork.
Introduction
Productive failure encourages students to discover answers themselves. A library treasure hunt provides a real-life problem-solving scenario, promoting curiosity and logical thinking.
Objectives
To increase familiarity with library resources.
To improve decision-making skills.
To develop teamwork, observation, and reasoning.
Methodology / Procedure
Students were divided into teams.
Each received clues directing them to different book sections.
Students searched independently without librarian help.
After attempts, small hints were provided.
Teams discussed strategies and presented results.
Findings
Students learned to use indexes, book arrangement, and the numbering system.
Collaborative planning improved success.
Initial failures helped develop stronger strategies.
Librarian Reflection
Students utilized library resources actively and improved research skills. Productive failure increased enthusiasm and problem-solving ability.
Conclusion
The activity proved that difficulty enhances learning. Students learned resource usage and group coordination.
Assignment 4: Mathematical Brain Teaser Challenge
Abstract
A math-based challenge was conducted to understand how productive failure enhances analytical skills by allowing students to struggle before learning rules.
Introduction
Mathematical thinking grows when students explore and attempt problems independently. Productive failure deepens understanding before final explanation.
Objectives
To develop logical and analytical reasoning.
To build confidence through trial and error.
To encourage strategy building and persistence.
Methodology / Procedure
Students received math riddles and brain teasers.
They tried solving them without steps or hints.
After attempts, logical strategies were discussed.
Students corrected their mistakes and solved again.
Findings
Students initially felt difficulty and frustration.
They later developed techniques and collaborative thinking.
Final solutions improved accuracy.
Librarian Reflection
Students enjoyed solving problems after the initial struggle. Productive failure created excitement and increased willingness to try again.
Conclusion
Failure led to better understanding and confidence. Students learned the value of persistence.
Assignment 5: Science Experiment Without Instructions
Abstract
Students performed a basic experiment (paper bridge strength test) without step-by-step instructions to learn through exploration and self-discovery.
Introduction
Science learning improves when students think like explorers. Productive failure encourages experimentation, observation, and correction.
Objectives
To develop scientific thinking.
To learn through experimentation.
To build teamwork and creativity.
Methodology / Procedure
Students were given paper sheets, tape, and weights.
Task: build a bridge that holds maximum weight.
No instructions were provided initially.
After attempts, suggestions were given.
Students evaluated results and improved designs.
Findings
Students tried multiple designs and learned about structural strength.
Teamwork increased efficiency.
Final results improved greatly after learning from failure.
Librarian Reflection
The activity encouraged curiosity and real-life learning. Students enjoyed testing, failing, and redesigning.
Conclusion
Productive failure helped students understand that learning comes from experimentation. Scientific thinking and collaboration improved significantly.
