Growth Mindset

I attended a conference today called "Better Together." It's the CA Teacher's Summit where thousands of teachers get together all over the state and talk about subjects that interestest them regarding education. We teach and learn from each other. I participated in a group that talked about Digital Citizenship, one that focused on Social Justice, and one group where teachers talked about Growth Mindset.

You may remember that I blogged about Growth Mindset back in March when I talked about What Motivates Students. No one is "good at Science" or "bad at Reading." We all just have different rates at which we learn, dependent on so many factors. But if I say, "I don't do Math well," it's true! Not because it was true before I thought it, but by thinking it (or saying it), I shut my mind off to learning. Does that make sense?

Growth Mindset keeps our brains open and learning. It's a way of thinking and talking about ourselves and others that encourages determination, fortitude, and the desire to endure. Stick-to-it-ive-ness. Don't-give-up-itude. 

Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset

Take a look at the image "What Can I Say To Myself?" Encourage yourself and others to maintain a Growth Mindset because studies show that that is how the mind works best! The brain actually develops new neural pathways when we struggle with something and make mistakes. Not giving up helps us learn.

And furthermore, all of us lifelong learners can direct our own education. There is so much information online! What do you want to learn? I encourage my students to watch TEDtalks and learn about topics that interest them. Today, I watched this video that you may enjoy:

In The Nerd's Guide to Learning Everything Online, John Green talks about YouTube being a classroom where people direct their own learning in a collaborative setting.

I am doing my best to make my classroom a place where students want to come and participate enthusiastically in their own educations. I foster Growth Mindset within myself and others. I believe "Your ability and confidence will grow with your effort."

Let's all train our brains to grow by not giving up. It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.