Failing Together: Interactive Patterns of Problem-Solving between Youth and Educators in Informal STEM Environments

Authors: Jacey Ruisi, Amber Simpson, Kelli Paul

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Faculty Mentors: Amber Simpson

Easel: 79

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: Integrating failure as a learning tool can help boost students' creativity and problem-solving skills, though more research is needed to understand how to effectively apply this approach. This study analyzed failure-based problem-solving interactions between educators and learners during informal STEM activities in museum settings, focusing on how the educator’s experience influenced these exchanges. A total of 38 self-recorded videos of museum educators working with learners in various environments, including camps, drop-in exhibits, and classrooms was examined. The findings reveal that educators play a crucial role in guiding problem-solving through supportive methods like prompting, with more experienced educators fostering a more collaborative dynamic, while those with less experience tend to use more direct instruction. This study underscores the value of a collaborative approach, where educators act as expert guides, in supporting students' creativity and problem-solving development through learning from failure.