Constructive Failure series
A series of teaching stories highlighting the importance of lessons learned from productive failuresFailing constructively in teaching isn’t always a dead end, it can be a detour that enriches our learning journey.
About the series
In our Constructive Failure series, we embrace the full spectrum of teaching experiences, including those moments that don’t go as planned. Each story is a heartfelt reflection on the realities of teaching, offering a space for educators to share and learn from each other’s ‘productive failures.’
This series isn’t just about the missteps, but about the courage to try new approaches, the resilience to bounce back, and the wisdom gained from these experiences. It’s an homage to the human aspect of teaching, where we redefine ‘success’ through our challenges and view each failure as a catalyst for growth.
By discussing our less-than-perfect moments, we destigmatise ‘failure’, encouraging a culture of reflection, experimentation, and growth.
Join us in this empathetic journey, as we uncover the valuable lessons hidden in the trials of teaching.
Our stories
Staff from around the University share stories of how mistakes and even ‘epic fails’ have inspired change for the better. More stories coming soon!
Constructive Failure story: When ‘hands-off’ becomes too hands-off
In the latest tale from our Constructive Failure series, we explore a teacher’s experiment with student autonomy, testing the limits of self-directed learning in higher education.
Constructive Failure story: The epic success that couldn’t last
We uncover a teacher’s journey to forge deep connections through relational pedagogies—a path marked by both unparalleled success and an unexpected twist.
Constructive Failure story: Technological trials and institutional hurdles
Hazim Namik is a Mechanical Engineering lecturer whose vision for remote robotics learning highlighted the complexities of innovation within academia.
Constructive Failure story: Exam day chaos
Kicking off our ‘Constructive Failure’ series, we begin with a tale of a celebrated teacher whose momentary irritation triggered a significant blunder, followed by a lesson in humility and grace.