When I was introduced to the growth mindset in the first course, I developed a presentation to my classes, and then the students developed their own. There are some things I will change in this project for next year, but I think giving students an opportunity to research and relate the mindsets to their specific situation helped them have a better understanding. I also think to encourage a learner to develop the growth mindset as educators we need to model this mindset in our actions. When you can vocalize with student’s things that you have struggled with or are struggling and how you are responding will help encourage similar behaviors.
When teaching and modeling the growth mindset to students another component considered is the message of “Yet”. I think in teaching this message it is significant to explain to students that learning is a process. Students need to put in the work to develop skills and talents. It is ok that students work at different paces, that is what makes us all unique. It’s not about either being born with something or not. Some students may take longer to develop skills, but it doesn't mean they can’t, they just haven’t gotten there yet. In my previous presentation to students, I give examples of successful celebrities, whom ALL failed and had struggles. But they did not give up because they didn't immediately make the team, or become a producer. They fought hard even when they wanted to give up because they hadn’t accomplished their goals, yet.
As Dweck states, students in the fixed mindset run from their mistakes and conceal their deficiencies. When students feel that they can’t do something, but must make good grades, it leads to a bad combination of anxiety and panic. This leads some students to do whatever it takes to make a high grade which can, unfortunately, lead to cheating. I don’t believe that placing emphasis on the growth mindset will eliminate all cheating. However, when students can apply the growth mindset, to accomplish something on their own, and can be proud of their achievement, they are much more likely to do the work, instead of using another student's paper for answers. Teachers can encourage the learning process instead of their intelligence. When teachers can praise students based on effort, instead of fixed intelligence, students are much more likely to have the confidence to push themselves when something is challenging.
When educators can take the emphasis off the grades or standardized test, and place emphasis on the learning, I believe students are more successful long term. Grades are not an accurate factor to a measuring success beyond the classroom. I agree with Angela Duckworth that grit is a key component for someone to accomplish a long-term goal. I have noticed when a student has grit they are able to find a way no matter how difficult to finish an assignment or complete a project.
Even though the growth mindset has been a popular term to reference, I don’t believe it will become a fad. The growth mindset has existed before we had the label. I believe even if the growth mindset is not being properly implemented it still is can make a positive influence. Measuring success is more complex than just implementation of the growth mindset. Alfie Kohn uses the analogy of the growth mindset is not a magic elixir that dissolves toxic structures. There is more to a student’s success than whether the growth mindset is properly implemented. There are some goals that require more than mindset. Some goals require someone to have a specific look or size, and you can’t think yourself into a size. However, regardless of other factors, having the ability to believe in oneself and having the grit to match this mindset can get a personfar. References Duckworth, A. (2013, May 9). Grit: the power of passion and perseverance. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8 Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House Kohn, A. (2016, August 16). The “mindset” mindset. Retrieved from http://www.alfiekohn.org/article/mindset/ Stanford Alumni. (2014, October 9). Carol Dweck, “Developing a growth mindset” [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ