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As a new initiative of the Faculty of Education, Dean Vivek Venkatesh recently launched the Dean's Speaker Series. This biannual series is expected to host prominent guest speakers on relatable topics that span the Faculty's departments and hosted by the Dean as a free event for academics, students, staff, and invited guests. The inaugural speaker isÌýProfessor Manu Kapur, discussing productive failure and rethinking how we learn. Sessions are taking place on February 18 and 19 in the Education Building Learning Commons (3700 McTavish, Room 120). See below for the event details and registration is recommended as spots are filling up. Refreshments will be served and free autographed copies of Dr. Kapur's book will be available while supplies last.

(You may choose to attend a single session or both.)

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About the Guest Speaker: Professor Manu Kapur

Professor Kapur is the Director of the Singapore-ETH Center and Professor of Learning Sciences and Higher Education at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, where he also leads The Future Learning Initiative. He holds a doctoral degree in the science of learning and a Master of Science in applied statistics from Columbia University, as well as a Master of Education from the National Institute of Education in Singapore.

Renowned for conceptualizing the theory of Productive Failure, Professor Kapur has transformed teaching and learning practices in STEM education; his research has garnered international acclaim and shaped national education policies.

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February 18, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PMÌýÌý|Ìý Panel Discussion

Designing Learning Through Failure: A Conversation with Professor Manu Kapur

Failure isn’t just a setback—it’s a stepping stone to deeper understanding! Join Professor Manu Kapur, learning scientist and author ofÌýProductive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning through the Science of Failing, in a conversation exploring how reversing the learning sequence - starting with problem-solving before instruction - can lead to powerful and lasting learning outcomes.

Drawing from his book, Professor Kapur will discuss the core problems of learning, how productive failure offers a solution, and delve into the principles of designing for failure. Discover what inspired this transformative teaching model, the evidence supporting its effectiveness, and how it redefines failure as a catalyst for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and long-term academic success. Learn how these principles can be integrated into curriculum design, teaching, and institutional practices to foster a culture of life-long learning.Ìý

Discussion moderated byÌýProfessor Krista Muis, 9IÖÆ×÷³§Ãâ·Ñ Faculty of Education, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology.

February 19, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PMÌýÌý|Ìý Interactive Workshop

The Science of Learning Better by Failing

We learn from our failures—why not design them? Meta-analytic evidence demonstrates that productive failure can improve learning outcomes up to threefold compared to traditional methods by beginning with problem-solving before instruction. Tested across subjects such as math, science, and medicine, this approach not only ignites curiosity but also deepens understanding and knowledge transfer.

In this interactive workshop, Professor Manu Kapur will examine the science behind productive failure, highlighting its four key mechanisms—activation, awareness, affect, and assembly—that make it a powerful teaching model. Participants will leave with practical strategies to design for productive failure and harness its potential to enhance teaching and learning outcomes.