Eggleton believes building from mistakes is crucial in learning mathematics. Too often, traditional mathematics classrooms focus on a rote process to learn mathematical computations, but ignore the importance of developing sound problem solving abilities, he says. This is best accomplished when students learn in an environment where mistakes are allowed, but are challenged by the students and the teacher, says Eggleton. As students learn to argue for their answers and find flaws in their own arguments, they eventually become more proficient in looking for errors and making stronger arguments for correct answers. This is the type of mathematical skill that is essential in application in most real-world settings.
Mistakes are like little lessons all in themselves.
If you face them as learning opportunities rather than reminders of your inabilities, then you're bound to be a better mathematician. To illustrate his point, Eggleton relates a story told by a father of two sons. One son was exposed to a very traditional approach, whereas the other child saw mathematics through the process of explorations and discovery. Mistakes are like little lessons all in themselves. If you face them as learning opportunities rather than reminders of your inabilities, then you're bound to be a better mathematician.