What kind of learner are you? Are you the type that jumps right in or do you wait awhile and watch others before diving in? Or is learning something new something you would rather avoid? Does it depend on the situation?
Take a look at this video. Which character’s learning style matches your own?
Are you like COOPER?
Are you like the others who were inspired by COOPER?
Are you like NORA?
Now think of your students. Which students are like Cooper, the others, or Nora? How can they become more like Cooper? How do you encourage a growth mindset?
One of my favorite books of all times is Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. Dweck explains why it’s not just our abilities and talent that bring us success–but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. Cooper approached the task of swimming with a growth mindset, in my opinion. He couldn’t wait to test out his water wings and impress his dad. He got off to a bumpy start, but that didn’t stop him. His skills were less that perfect in the beginning, but he continued to dig deep and proves there is some pep in his paddle!
Mary Cay Ricci book, Mindset in the Classroom: Building a Culture of Success and Student Achievement in Schools, was inspired by the popular mindset idea that hard work and effort can lead to success. It is a book I am adding to my “to read” pile!
Another resource to help you develop growth mindsets in the classroom is Mindset Works. I only mention this forthe free resource section. I am not suggesting you invest in the program without careful review of the materials and your own resources.
Other resources that may beof interest:
- Website: Mindset
- Web articles – How Can We Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset? and Response: Classroom Strategies to Foster a Growth Mindset. (Both articles are by Larry Ferlazzo)
- Blog post from Principal Jessica Johnson – Encouraging a Growth Mindset
- Free classroom posters developed by Venspired.com
- Creating Cranial Connections: Developing Growth Mindset Lesson Plans from Inspiring Learners. You can findother FREE resources here.
- The website Kids in the House provides several links to videos featuring Dr. Carol Dweck.
- Book: Teaching that Changes Lives: 12 Mindset Tools for Igniting the Love of Learning by Marilee G. Adams, Arthur L. Costa and Bena Kallick
- Book: How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul Tough
- Book: Building Resilience in Children and Teens – Giving Kids Roots and Wings by Kenneth R. Ginsburg
- Book: Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
How are you developing your growth mindset?
How are you developing the growth mindset of your students?
Gus Lawson says
I first learned of Dr. Dweck’s work when my son was two. Praising him for working hard has definitely shaped his ability to persist through challenging assignments or tasks. I have also applied a growth mindset in my development. I’m learning to quiet self-doubt to achieve my goals.