Making mistakes in mathematics – by R N A de Silva Source : island “Anyone who has never made a mistake has not tried something new “, said Albert Einstein. Although mistakes are inevitable in life, learning mathematics can be extra challenging due to the pressure of having to come up with the ‘correct’ answer as it generally demands precision and accuracy. But recent neurological research indicates that making mistakes is actually good as it not only provides opportunities for learning but also contributes to the growth of the brain. Mistakes play a crucial role in the learning process and they can be considered as stepping stones on the path to mastery. Embracing mistakes will help students in building the persistence required for success in mathematics. Making mistakes will help enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they prompt students to reconsider their approach, identify the source of the mistake and ...