Trying a New Approach
When your first approach isn't working, try a different one — being flexible about strategies is part of being a good learner
What a learner can do afterwards
- When stuck on a problem, try a completely different approach rather than repeating the same method — e.g. drawing a picture instead of writing equations
- Describe a time they changed strategy mid-task and explain why the new approach worked better
- Accept that their first idea might not work and show willingness to start over with a fresh plan
The lesson
Sometimes your first way to solve a problem does not work. That is normal, not a mistake. A good learner notices this and tries a different way instead of doing the same thing again.
Ben is working on a math problem. He writes the same numbers down two times, but he still gets the wrong answer both times. Instead of trying the same numbers a third time, Ben draws a picture of the problem. The picture helps him see it a new way, and he solves it.
If you try the same thing twice and it still is not working, that is a sign. Stop and ask yourself: what is another way I could try?
Your first plan will not always work. Noticing that and trying something new is what good learners do.
Watch it
Where it sits
Where this leads
8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.