Error Analysis
Overview
Analyzing errors is especially beneficial in helping learners develop a Learner Mindset and critical thinking skills, which are a component of Problem Solving. Studying their own errors can help learners see when they have used incorrect strategies or procedures, which is particularly important in strengthening Numeracy and supporting English language learners. Error analysis can also help learners identify their misconceptions, build accurate understanding, and support Long-term Memory.
Use It In Your Learning Environment
When implementing error analysis, it is important to note that negative Emotions may be elicited in some adults based on Adverse Experiences or low emotional stability. There is also a direct, negative association between fear and learning from errors, so providing additional support such as building trusting relationships in the learning environment and emphasizing growth mindset feedback is beneficial. Adult learners can be sensitive to errors being identified, so the process is most beneficial when it is facilitative rather than authoritative. Providing employees with growth mindset training can help them develop a positive and constructive view of errors as learning opportunities. The greater the Motivation, the more likely it is that adults will learn from errors.
Edtech products can build in scaffolded feedback to take advantage of the benefits of retrieval practice by providing incremental hints until the correct answer can be self-generated. Scaffolded feedback supports Long-term Memory and can mitigate the effects of negative emotions.
The impact of error analysis changes as adults age and immediate feedback is essential for correcting both memory and Metacognitive errors. Errors made in supportive, conceptually relevant learning paradigms can be effectively overwritten by older adults.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Active Learning Strategies
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Case studies support authentic, active learning experiences centered around real world situations that present an account of a particular set of circumstances for learners to engage with.
When learners process and express information visually, they are activating more cognitive processes while Problem Solving.
When preparing for and executing a debate, learners analyze, form, and express verbal arguments, fostering their critical thinking skills, an essential component of Problem Solving.
Debriefing is the intentional discussion immediately following a learning experience which is especially important after simulation-based learning.
Networking and supporting adult learners in expanding their social networks provide access to additional resources and Social Supports, which can impact their trajectory and Motivation.
Experiential learning is learning by doing, which may include self-directed learning activities.
Giving learners the opportunity to explain their thinking process aloud helps them to solidify their comprehension, and move knowledge into their Long-term Memory.
Game-based learning is an active learning experience with clear objectives and measurable outcomes designed to be intrinsically game-like.
Inquiry-based learning is centered around open-ended questions posed by instructors and/or the learners themselves and fosters a Learner Mindset.
For adults, the Composition process can become more robust when learners can express ideas through multiple media, which includes visual, audio, and digital production.
Effective note-taking during lectures or reading directs learners' Attention to the relevant information, helping them identify key concepts, understand links between ideas and retain information better in their Long-term Memory.
The opportunity to observe peers or experts in action or participate in shadowing can provide a unique and authentic learning experience that often involves questioning, metacognitive thinking, and Problem Solving while providing Social Supports.
When learners provide constructive feedback on each other's work, they reflect on their own understanding, learn to give relevant suggestions, receive specific ways to improve, and engage in Metacognition.
Problem-based learning (PBL) is a learner-centered multidisciplinary approach focused on real world applications using active learning methods.
Simulations and immersive virtual environments provide authentic learning at a level that can spark curiosity and deeper understanding by engaging multiple senses in exploration.
Skills sprints are focused, real world learning experiences for teams in which participants learn new skills while directly designing, developing, or delivering something to their organization.
Analyzing short video clips, replays of important aspects, and videos of oneself applying what has been learned can improve Metacognition and Long-term Memory while fostering a Learner Mindset.
Analyzing and discussing solutions to problems helps students develop a deeper understanding of Problem Solving processes and Numeracy skills.
