We have been discussing at our school the benefits of the growth mindset vs. the fixed mindset based on the studies by Carol Dweck and her team of researchers.
I've been trying to apply it to my own practice as I continue in my sixth year of teaching to get meaningful feedback and suggestions for improvement.
What I have been coming to realize in my work as a teacher is that my work is not getting any easier. Although, I have more experience and I have learned many lessons, I find I have even more challenges and lessons to learn. No matter how far I have come in being able to manage my classroom, or create and manage projects, I find that I am still learning better ways to manage and adapt what I did before.
As I go through the growth mindset chart, I'd like to share where I am in my teaching as it applies to each value:
Challenges: I never want to stop at having done something before but I find that I want to continually push myself to do something different. What I enjoy about teaching is that it constantly challenges you to stay flexible, adapt to change, think on your feet, work with a variety of personalities, and constantly grow and learn.
Obstacles: I find myself being more stubborn and not as willing to see the other perspective if I think I've got a great idea. Though challenging, I like to overcome obstacles quickly.
Effort: Teaching takes continual effort. I am constantly finding myself putting just as much or more time and effort into what I am doing in the classroom and outside of it. I sometimes wish that I could be applying the mantra, Work smarter not harder, to my life a little more.
Criticism: I am finding myself more open to changing or adapting my practice based on feedback. My director has given me chances to reflect on choices and norms I have established and has helped me to refine and reinforce my expectations. Although it isn't easy to take criticism, it helps to recognize that constructive criticism can help you to improve yourself in ways you may not be aware.
Success of others: I find it hard not to relate myself to other teachers. I feel at times as though I am not trying hard enough, or putting as much effort, or doing as well in exhibiting work, or not making as strong relationships with students. This kind of thinking only pushes us back, and instead I have to remind myself to focus on my own growth, see others as models or exemplars, and then give and take what I see in their teaching that I can apply to my own.
I invite you to try and reflect on your own practice and see how the growth mindset let's you see how you can grow!
I've been trying to apply it to my own practice as I continue in my sixth year of teaching to get meaningful feedback and suggestions for improvement.
What I have been coming to realize in my work as a teacher is that my work is not getting any easier. Although, I have more experience and I have learned many lessons, I find I have even more challenges and lessons to learn. No matter how far I have come in being able to manage my classroom, or create and manage projects, I find that I am still learning better ways to manage and adapt what I did before.
As I go through the growth mindset chart, I'd like to share where I am in my teaching as it applies to each value:
Challenges: I never want to stop at having done something before but I find that I want to continually push myself to do something different. What I enjoy about teaching is that it constantly challenges you to stay flexible, adapt to change, think on your feet, work with a variety of personalities, and constantly grow and learn.
Obstacles: I find myself being more stubborn and not as willing to see the other perspective if I think I've got a great idea. Though challenging, I like to overcome obstacles quickly.
Effort: Teaching takes continual effort. I am constantly finding myself putting just as much or more time and effort into what I am doing in the classroom and outside of it. I sometimes wish that I could be applying the mantra, Work smarter not harder, to my life a little more.
Criticism: I am finding myself more open to changing or adapting my practice based on feedback. My director has given me chances to reflect on choices and norms I have established and has helped me to refine and reinforce my expectations. Although it isn't easy to take criticism, it helps to recognize that constructive criticism can help you to improve yourself in ways you may not be aware.
Success of others: I find it hard not to relate myself to other teachers. I feel at times as though I am not trying hard enough, or putting as much effort, or doing as well in exhibiting work, or not making as strong relationships with students. This kind of thinking only pushes us back, and instead I have to remind myself to focus on my own growth, see others as models or exemplars, and then give and take what I see in their teaching that I can apply to my own.
I invite you to try and reflect on your own practice and see how the growth mindset let's you see how you can grow!