When Productive Failure Fails (Poster 14)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Four
  In Poster Session: Digital Learning and Development

Abstract

Productive failure is an instructional technique in which a learner is not able to complete an initial task or problem, but later learns to succeed. Although productive failure has been shown to be effective in some situations, it can frustrate students thereby detracting from any benefits. Game-based learning environments may promote students’ resilience in the face of productive failure and thereby increase the benefits on learning. This study compared a typical productive failure experience to a game version of productive failure. Neither version of productive failure benefitted students more than a control. Additionally, the groups didn’t differ in their experiences of the lesson as compared to the control lesson. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Authors

• Alyssa Lawson, University of California - Santa Barbara
  Presenting Author

• Richard E. Mayer, University of California - Santa Barbara
  Non-Presenting Author