Learning is by no means a linear path. The cyclic nature of learning in which we encounter challenges, make mistakes and find solutions has been vilified in classrooms worldwide. In school, mistakes earn you low marks and are used to justify separating and sorting young minds into the "can" and "cannot." But most of us do not succeed the first time we do something challenging. Providing students the time to master complex skills closes lingerie skill gaps, builds student confidence and prepares students for the real world.

Here is an example to resonates with my students. In many video games, if you encounter a boss that is too difficult to defeat on your first try, that's OK! Players can return to more familiar areas to earn more experience and level up powerful skills. In my classroom, learning is mastery-based; students are encouraged to receive feedback, reflect, and revise assignments and labs for regrades and unlock test retakes. In this way, students could return to areas they need a little more practice, find secrets and skills they missed the first time, and conquer challenges that were once well above their competency.