In this conversation, Andy interviews Manu Kapur about his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. They explore the concept of learning through failure and how it can be intentionally designed to enhance understanding and retention. They discuss the importance of context in learning and the science behind memory. Manu and Andy discuss practical strategies for effective learning, particularly in relation to project management and certification exams. Manu introduces the notion of productive failure and its significance in the learning process. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with challenges, understanding the four A’s of learning, and applying these principles in real-world scenarios. Manu even shares some ideas for how parents can help their kids reframe how they look at failure.

Want to improve your memory? Learn faster? This episode is for you!

Sound Bites

  • “If you want to remember, try forgetting a little so that you can use forgetting to remember.”
  • “Why do we wait for failure to happen instead of designing for it deliberately and intentionally?”
  • “Learning doesn’t just happen when you succeed—it’s the failure signal that tells you you’re in the right place to grow.”
  • “Knowledge gets coupled with the context, the smells, and the sights in which you’re learning it.”
  • “If everything in your life has a success signal, don’t be too happy—chances are you’re playing it too safe.”
  • “We should totally change how we introduce ourselves at parties: guess each other’s names!”

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 02:31 Start Of Interview
  • 03:55 Understanding Productive Failure
  • 05:22 The Problems of Learning: Remembering, Understanding, and Transfer
  • 08:58 The Theory of Disuse
  • 11:39 The Fascinating Concept of Situated Cognition
  • 16:00 Why Getting Questions Wrong Helps You Learn
  • 20:34 Understanding the Zone of Proximal Development
  • 23:06 Designing for Productive Failure
  • 28:33 Applying Failure Concepts in Parenting
  • 32:12 End Of Interview
  • 32:34 Andy Comments After The Interview
  • 37:52 Outtakes

Learn More

You can learn more about Manu and his work at ManuKapur.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

  • Episode 15 with Ralph Heath about his book on celebrating failure.
  • Episode 432 with Ross Garland regarding why projects fail.
  • Episode 116 with Jim Johnson for another discussion about why projects fail.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Productive Failure, Learning, Memory, Project Management, Education, Teaching, Zone Of Proximal Development, Innovation

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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