Over the past couple of months, I've read numerous articles on the Growth Mindset. I knew it was something I wanted to introduce to my sixth graders. This week I finally did. I have to say on the onset, this week's lessons have probably been the most powerful ones I've experienced in years.
#Caroldweck
The original researcher of the growth mindset is Carol S. Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford University. After numerous years of research, she published a book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. She also appeared in a Ted Talk discussing the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. She explains that a fixed mindset is the belief that our character, intelligence, and abilities are inherent and cannot be changed. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that one thrives on challenges and sees setbacks as opportunity for growth and development. Rather than "Did I win? Did I lose?" Carol suggests, "Did I make my best effort?"
#Lessoncycle
We started our week watching a portion of Carol's Ted Talk, followed by Station Rotation. The four stations included reading two articles on the concept, watching two short video clips on the concept, reviewing and discussing a sketchnote by Sylvia Duckworth and completing a self inventory. Students also wrote informative essays about the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, we discussed our findings of the inventories, and culminated by writing growth mindset statements.
#Caroldweck
The original researcher of the growth mindset is Carol S. Dweck, a professor of psychology at Stanford University. After numerous years of research, she published a book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. She also appeared in a Ted Talk discussing the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset. She explains that a fixed mindset is the belief that our character, intelligence, and abilities are inherent and cannot be changed. A growth mindset, on the other hand, is the belief that one thrives on challenges and sees setbacks as opportunity for growth and development. Rather than "Did I win? Did I lose?" Carol suggests, "Did I make my best effort?"
#Lessoncycle
We started our week watching a portion of Carol's Ted Talk, followed by Station Rotation. The four stations included reading two articles on the concept, watching two short video clips on the concept, reviewing and discussing a sketchnote by Sylvia Duckworth and completing a self inventory. Students also wrote informative essays about the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset, we discussed our findings of the inventories, and culminated by writing growth mindset statements.
#Studentinsights
As part of the week, students wrote informative essays that concluded with a self-reflection. Here are some of their take-aways . . .
*I know that trying doesn’t make me look like I don’t know anything. I learn from failure.
*To me, having a growth mindset would be more beneficial to me because not only would it help me in school, but it would also help me at home and in the future.
*I have a growth mindset because I’m confident, motivated, and open minded.
*I can use this knowledge by helping others to improve their mindset socially, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
*I see myself as a fixed mindset person because I usually fear making mistakes and I hate trying new things and I also don’t want anything to ever change knowing that everything is going to change.
*But the important thing we all need to do is know how to get better or how we can try to see things from a different perspective, listen to someone’s bitcoin you know?
*Doing this lesson definitely has changed my way of looking at things.
#Notjustforkids
The growth mindset isn't just for kids. We try so hard to be "examples" for our children. Why don't we show the process? Verbalize when we make mistakes. Let's be authentic. If you're not sure where to start, take a look at this video. Growth mindset statements from my sunsational sixth graders.
Leading by example,
Mrs. McAlister
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