Mistakes and Failures = Growth Checkpoints - A New Way to Learn

In Hong Kong’s competitive school system, students are taught—explicitly and implicitly—that success means perfection. A score of 95% is not a triumph, but a trigger for criticism. Parents ask, “Why not 100?” or “Why didn’t you come first?” even when their child ranks second in class. Teachers, under pressure themselves, often reinforce this mindset through rankings, rigid grading, and public comparisons.

This culture breeds fear and hesitation.

Students begin to equate their self-worth with their scores. They push themselves—not out of curiosity or passion—but out of anxiety and obligation. They learn to hide their mistakes, avoid risks, and chase approval rather than understanding.

Even in homeschool settings, where flexibility and freedom are meant to flourish, I still witness this fear and hesitation. In today’s free IGCSE math lesson, I saw it again. When I asked my students to solve problems on the board, they hesitated—worried about making mistakes. Their eyes searched for reassurance. Their silence spoke volumes: “If I get it wrong, I’ll disappoint my teacher.”

I always reassure my students: I am a teacher who embraces mistakes—not as failures, but as stepping stones. I call them “good mistakes”—growth checkpoints that help me personalize my teaching and close your learning gaps. So don’t worry about making mistakes in front of me.

The perfection mindset is not just a school problem. It’s a cultural wound.

It’s time to heal it.

I tell my students—and my daughter—this truth:

Mistakes and failures are not flaws. They are Growth Checkpoints.

They are moments to pause, reflect, and recalibrate.

They are invitations to grow—not just academically, but emotionally and intellectually.

Let’s stop punishing imperfection. Let’s start honoring effort.

Because education isn’t a race to 100%.

It’s a journey of becoming—curious, courageous, and resilient.