I love teaching students about growth mindset.
Growing up with the traditional model of schooling I cannot believe how valuable teaching students about a growth mindset is. I still have that little voice of doubt when I cannot do something that says, “you are obviously not _____ enough” (insert smart/athletic/creative etc) that I have to silence with the power of “YET.” Ah! What a word.
What tickles me happiness button is that, as a Ttoc, I see a lot of growth mindset reminders in a variety of classrooms. Highschool to elementary teachers are reminding students that if they are struggling, it is only because they can’t quite master it- yet!
It is much better to focus on the willingness to learn and perseverance than putting your focus on intelligence! One individual that showed a growth mindset in the public space filled with criticism is 16 year old high jumper Dick Fosbury. You can read his story here, your students will love it: http://www.innovationmanagement.se/imtool-articles/fosburys-innovative-flop/
For your classroom consider showing a mindset chart. This is an example I found on amazon.
(ZBRO Growth Mindset poster found on amazon.com)
I like this poster for the K-12 classroom. I especially find the colour helps reinforce the message that the fixed mindset is not the way to engage your mind and support your learning. Consider also, having your students design their own for the classroom 🙂
