Learning Through Trial and Error

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     A lot of people grow up thinking that math and art skills are things you are either born with or you are bad at forever. Phrases like “I’m not a math person” or “I can’t draw” are said so often that they rarely get questioned. This kind of fixed mindset turns struggle into failure instead of seeing it as a normal part of learning, and it affects how students engage in classrooms that increasingly rely on digital tools to teach complex ideas.

    In math, confusion is often treated as a sign that someone is just not smart enough rather than proof that the material is challenging. Once students decide they are bad at math, they tend to avoid it, participate less, or rely on shortcuts. Tools like calculators, equation solvers, and AI can be helpful, but when they are used only to get quick answers, students miss the reasoning behind the math. This can reinforce the belief that real understanding is reserved for certain people rather than something that develops with practice.

    Art is often viewed in a similar way. Many people assume artists are naturally talented, even though art depends on problem-solving, creativity, and revision. Drawing programs and design software show how closely artistic and systematic thinking are connected. When students use these tools, they begin to see that creativity grows through experimentation and effort, not instant success.

    The way digital tools are used in classrooms plays a big role in shaping student mindsets. Tools that encourage exploration and interaction help students understand that learning is a process. I saw this firsthand last weekend at the SD STEM Ed Conference in Huron, where I was introduced to PhET. The simulations do not provide step-by-step instructions. Instead, students are encouraged to adjust variables, observe patterns, and make sense of what they see on their own. This mirrors how both math and art are learned, through trial and error.

    Moving away from a fixed mindset requires intentional teaching choices. When teachers focus on effort, curiosity, and progress instead of speed and perfection, students feel more comfortable taking risks. When digital tools are used to support thinking and creativity rather than replace them, students are more likely to believe that their abilities in math and art can grow over time

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