- The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go! - Dr. Seuss -
What is Growth Mindset?
The belief that everyone has the potential to develop their abilities through dedication and effort. That both talents and intelligence are not biologically based, and have the capacity to grow dependant on the amount of work put into them. Growth mindset also views failure as a path to grow from in being one step closer to success, and teaches individuals to relish in the process of learning not in achievement. Those who successfully develop their growth mindset have also become more resilient in the face of obstacles and setbacks, and are more likely to take on new challenges.
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What is Fixed Mindset?
The belief that both talents and intelligence are inherently fixed traits in which success stems from minimal effort. That flaws are meant to be hidden, as failure is a defining trait, and due to this challenges are meant to be avoided. Fixed mindset also revels in the success of admiration and learning, seeking compliments and viewing feedback as a personal criticism.
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- Everyone Has Both Mindsets -
This is important to remember, as everyday we have the choice of which frame of mind to be in.
How Does Self Talk Play A Role In Mindset?
Self talk plays a role in how we view students, our own actions in the school, and student responses to us a teacher. It affects us daily, and ultimately has the ability to impact our relations with students, parents, and other staff members. In order to further enhance ones growth mindset it often first requires a change in self talk.
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- Fixed V.S. Growth Self Talk Examples -
Fixed
This student is incapable I'll never be as good of a teacher Students ruined my lesson, they didn't participate I can't change the fact that the student doesn't like school They have a poor home life, there is no way they will graduate Professional development meetings are so boring, I never learn from them |
Growth
This parent is invested, and I want to find a way to communicate with them I believe in student success regardless of their backgrounds How can I change my lesson to increase student engagement How can I use student interests to spark learning That teacher is amazing I should ask them to be my mentor How can I make this information clear for understanding |
Fostering Growth Mindset Experiences
For growth mindsets to be successfully fostered in a classroom, the work you provide as a teacher must be engaging for the students and spark their interests, it needs to be valuable to them and their learning, it must hold meaning in their everyday lives, and finally it must be accessible for students to accomplish. All four of these components need to be met in order to make a difference in the students learning outcomes.
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Involving Parents In Growth Mindset
In integrating growth mindset into the classroom it is essential to involve parents, through sending a letter home to them explaining your classroom focus on their students growth and improvement. Many will be unaware of the concept of growth mindset, which in turn prevents them from identifying the fixed mindsets they may be sending. To help parents with their involvement in their students learning, develop a system that offers parents regular feedback on their students growth. Another thing you can do is survey parents, ask them where they want their students to grow on, while also communicating where they are already at and what will help push them forwards (identifying the level of difficulty of the work provided and then building on it). It becomes crucial to involve parents in the students growth mindset journey as they are able to further reinforce their child's efforts as a path to future achievements.
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- Strategies for Involving Parents -
Classroom Remind App
Weekly Newsletter Social Media Platform See Saw Adobe Voice What's App |
E-Confrences
Class Channel Polls & Surveys (Google) Kid Blog Group Me |
The Iceberg Theory of Success
This illustration depicts that there are always two sides to success, much like an iceberg. The above surface side that people are able to see, and the below surface side that people are unable to see. People often become memorized by the above surface components of success forgetting to acknowledge the individuals effort it took them to make that achievement, being the hard work, persistence, discipline, failure, risk, good habits, rejection, and sacrifices they endured. When acknowledging a student for any achievement it is important to remember how they got there, and not be blinded by their successes. The "iceberg theory of success" holds us accountable in recognizing that every student has worked hard in order to achieve their goals, and that success is only a small component to the full story, as hard work lies beneath the surface.
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