Ep. 13 - Critical Thinking Starts With Getting It Wrong: Practical Teacher Tips

In this episode of STEM Conversations, we meet with Paul Tyler, whose career spans biochemist, primary teacher and now content curator at Smart Stems. We discuss the importance of being comfortable with failure in building effective problem-solving skills. We explore how embracing failure contributes to critical thinking and fosters a resilient approach to STEM education.Engineering is more than just building models; it’s a way of thinking. Joined by Paul Tyler, we look at how to move beyond "step-by-step" crafts and help students develop the Engineering Habits of Mind needed for real-world success.We cover productive failure, oracy and talk, sustainable STEM and skill acquisition. Whether you're looking to reduce classroom mess or boost student engagement, this episode provides actionable strategies to transform your STEM teaching.