Learning from mistakes

On the benefits of doing things the wrong way on purpose

Learning from mistakes can be more profound and meaningful than just receiving the answers. In motor learning, this means students often learn best when given unstructured practice where they can explore, experiment, play with variations, and find what works best for them. In fact, it may even be helpful to encourage students to move the wrong way on purpose. There are several methods of coaching that use this strategy, and research supports its efficacy.