Tena koutou katoa. Nga mihi nui atawhai.

One of the things that we have been reflecting on since our return to onsite schooling is about how we can do learning differently, leading me into the more fundamental concept of what is learning.

A book I am currently reading, ‘ The Innovator’s Mindset’ by George Couros, talks about ‘empowering learning, unleashing talent, and a culture of creativity.’ And, in that book, there is also a discussion about how we can conceive learning.

One of the things that we need to acknowledge is that learning is about not always getting it right the first or even the tenth time, but always looking to learn from our mistakes and continue to improve.

On the Psychology Today website, Heidi Grant Halvorson, when discussing ‘The Science of Success’ states that ‘studies show that when people are allowed to make mistakes, they are significantly less likely to actually make them!’

Here is her three step plan to help people reframe their thinking:

Step 1:  Start by embracing the fact that when something is difficult and unfamiliar, you will need some time to really get a handle on it.  You may make some mistakes, and that’s ok.

Step 2:  Remember to ask for help when you run into trouble.  Needing help doesn’t mean you aren’t capable – in fact, the opposite is true.  Only the very foolish believe they can do everything on their own.

Step 3: Try not to compare yourself to other people – instead, compare your performance today to your performance yesterday.  Focusing on getting better means always thinking in terms of progress, not perfection.

‘Making mistakes does not mean you are a failure. It just means that you are trying and learning in life.’  – Curiano.com

‘Learn from other people’s mistakes. You can never live long enough to make them all yourself.’  – Groucho Marx.