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Failing to learn: towards a unified design approach for failure-based learning

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Abstract

To date, many instructional systems are designed to support learners as they progress through a problem-solving task. Often these systems are designed in accordance with instructional design models that progress the learner efficiently through the problem-solving process. However, theories from various fields have discussed failure as a strategic way to engender learning. Although researchers suggest that failure may be an element of problem-solving, no models have discussed how to employ failure strategically within instructional design. Given this gap, we first present failure-based research from various theoretical frameworks. Based on the research, we proffer failure-based principles for learning systems design. Implications and future research are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northern Illinois University, Gabel Hall 101G, Dekalb, IL, 60115, USA

    Andrew A. Tawfik

  2. The University of Georgia, River’s Crossing, 850 College Station Road, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Hui Rong & Ikseon Choi

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  1. Andrew A. Tawfik
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  2. Hui Rong
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Correspondence to Andrew A. Tawfik.

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Tawfik, A.A., Rong, H. & Choi, I. Failing to learn: towards a unified design approach for failure-based learning. Education Tech Research Dev 63, 975–994 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-015-9399-0

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