Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset - Personally, as a learner and teacher, I have a growth mindset. I didn't really know that the way I think, approach problems/challenges, and teach my students had the name growth mindset. After reading the article, "Even Geniuses Work Hard", by Carol Dweck, I could see myself as learner and teacher with a growth mindset.
One characteristic of growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can develop over time. I believe this is true for me personally. I know that I can learn new things - I don't always want to especially if it is a topic that I am not really interested in or have much background knowledge - but I know that I can do it. For example, I had very little experience with Web 2.0 tools this time a year ago. In fact, I didn't even know what the term meant when I was asked about it in my first class of Spring 2013! Since that first class, I am now fluently using several Web 2.0 tools personally and as a teacher. One of my favorite tools is the Bag the Web curated resource. I use this to organize resources/information related to topics for graduate school as well as for my classroom. I also like using my PLN. At first, I didn't really use this tool; I just set it up as a requirement for a class, but over the last two semesters, I have found that it is a good place to put different things I run across so that I can find them later. Now I often go to my PLN to revisit a website. I also have incorporated using weekly.com as a classroom website. My students and their parents love the up to date communication, and I love that I can update anytime from anywhere.
A second characteristic of growth mindset is creating a culture of risk taking. I have to say that I don't love to take risks personally because the thought of messing up, wasting time, and having to redo things is unsettling to me. I think that I feel this way right now because I am a full time teacher, a full time mother, a tutor on the side, and a graduate student taking two classes. Time is precious to me, and I don't have a lot of time to waste. I find that I am more willing to take risks in the summer in terms of being a graduate student. As far as my learning goals, I am trying to learn more about Web 2.0 tools, but I am being picky as to when I need to take risks and when I need to stick to what I know due to time constraints. For example, I went with weekly.com for my blog because I already knew how to use it, but I took a little risk when it was time to use a tool for creating an info graphic. In another class, I am really going to be taking a risk when I use iMovie instead of MovieMaker (which I know) to create a book trailer. As a teacher, I encourage my students to take risks and make mistakes. I try to model for them how mistakes lead to deeper learning. One thing I have gotten from this exercise is that I need to be sure I give them TIME so that they will feel like they can take a risk and have the time to develop their learning.
Finally, a third characteristic of growth mindset is understanding that growth and progress is more important than the final grade. I have had to come to terms with this as a graduate student. Although, I have made an A so far in all of my classes, I have to tell myself that if I do my best and make a B, that is ok as long as I learned something and have new tools/resources for myself and as a teacher. As a teacher, I help students to focus on growth and improvement. I want a student who learns to feel successful about his/her growth regardless of the final grade. I do a lot of pre and post testing, reteaching, etc… so that students can see their growth.
As I get close to finishing my classes for media certification, I realize that I will need to continue to learn and grow in terms of digital fluency. I can't wait another 8 - 10 years when I may decide to go back to school. I am going to have to be self disciplined and motivated to stay abreast of current technology. I will be able to do this by enrolling in college classes, participating in professional development, and/or by working with colleagues.
One characteristic of growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can develop over time. I believe this is true for me personally. I know that I can learn new things - I don't always want to especially if it is a topic that I am not really interested in or have much background knowledge - but I know that I can do it. For example, I had very little experience with Web 2.0 tools this time a year ago. In fact, I didn't even know what the term meant when I was asked about it in my first class of Spring 2013! Since that first class, I am now fluently using several Web 2.0 tools personally and as a teacher. One of my favorite tools is the Bag the Web curated resource. I use this to organize resources/information related to topics for graduate school as well as for my classroom. I also like using my PLN. At first, I didn't really use this tool; I just set it up as a requirement for a class, but over the last two semesters, I have found that it is a good place to put different things I run across so that I can find them later. Now I often go to my PLN to revisit a website. I also have incorporated using weekly.com as a classroom website. My students and their parents love the up to date communication, and I love that I can update anytime from anywhere.
A second characteristic of growth mindset is creating a culture of risk taking. I have to say that I don't love to take risks personally because the thought of messing up, wasting time, and having to redo things is unsettling to me. I think that I feel this way right now because I am a full time teacher, a full time mother, a tutor on the side, and a graduate student taking two classes. Time is precious to me, and I don't have a lot of time to waste. I find that I am more willing to take risks in the summer in terms of being a graduate student. As far as my learning goals, I am trying to learn more about Web 2.0 tools, but I am being picky as to when I need to take risks and when I need to stick to what I know due to time constraints. For example, I went with weekly.com for my blog because I already knew how to use it, but I took a little risk when it was time to use a tool for creating an info graphic. In another class, I am really going to be taking a risk when I use iMovie instead of MovieMaker (which I know) to create a book trailer. As a teacher, I encourage my students to take risks and make mistakes. I try to model for them how mistakes lead to deeper learning. One thing I have gotten from this exercise is that I need to be sure I give them TIME so that they will feel like they can take a risk and have the time to develop their learning.
Finally, a third characteristic of growth mindset is understanding that growth and progress is more important than the final grade. I have had to come to terms with this as a graduate student. Although, I have made an A so far in all of my classes, I have to tell myself that if I do my best and make a B, that is ok as long as I learned something and have new tools/resources for myself and as a teacher. As a teacher, I help students to focus on growth and improvement. I want a student who learns to feel successful about his/her growth regardless of the final grade. I do a lot of pre and post testing, reteaching, etc… so that students can see their growth.
As I get close to finishing my classes for media certification, I realize that I will need to continue to learn and grow in terms of digital fluency. I can't wait another 8 - 10 years when I may decide to go back to school. I am going to have to be self disciplined and motivated to stay abreast of current technology. I will be able to do this by enrolling in college classes, participating in professional development, and/or by working with colleagues.