Often we view making mistakes as a setback or as a reflection of our lack of knowledge, but really, it is the first step in learning and making true progress. One of the most common phrases students will say is “I’m so bad at this”, “I can’t do it”. What they often don’t realise is that making mistakes isn’t a setback, it’s an integral part of learning. Sometimes students will become frustrated if they aren’t amazing at a topic at first try, but it’s the trial and error that will truly make them great.

It is often helpful to conceptualise learning like building muscle. Each time you struggle with a problem, your brain is lifting a “mental weight.” The initial confusion triggers curiosity, your mind wants to know why it was wrong and that curiosity fuels deeper understanding. It’s the difference between memorising an answer and actually learning a concept. As a tutor when mistakes are made, we unpack them together. This process not only fixes the mistake but also reveals valuable insights into how that specific student thinks, which is so crucial to know as a tutor.

The most confident learners aren’t the ones who never make mistakes, they’re the ones who keep asking questions, testing ideas, and learning from every misstep. So next time you get something wrong, don’t be discouraged. You’re not moving backwards, you’re rewiring your brain for progress and success.

Jessica Ciappara