UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO GROWTH MINDSET
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Introduction
In this unit, we are going to begin to explore growth mindset. We will be looking at the different mindset types and how they can impact a student as they move through their education.
Objectives for Unit 1
At the end of this unit learners will be able to:
- Define Growth Mindset
- Define Fixed Mindset
- Differentiate between the traits of a growth mindset and fixed.
Lesson 1: Growth Mindset Defined
Mini Lecture
In this lesson, we are going to begin to define Growth Mindset and gain an understanding of why mindsets matter. Growth Mindset is a concept that was explained by Carol Dweck in her 2007 book Mindset to describe the underlying beliefs that people have about learning and intelligence (Mindset Works, 2017). Students who display a growth mindset believe that they are able to improve through hard work and determination. They view intelligence as a muscle that can be grown through challenging yourself and always working towards improvement (PERTS Mindset Kit, 2016).
To Do
Watch the video below by Jonathan Levi, an expert on accelerated learning and thinking. In the video, he discusses Carol Dweck's concept of Growth Mindset and thinking. As you view the video think about the statement "You can learn new things but you really can't change your basic intelligence". This statement lies at the heart of the growth mindset concept. If a student does not believe that they are able to improve, and they fear failure; then they will not be willing to take risks and grow. However, a student who believes that they can improve will approach challenges and learning differently.
Now that you have watched the video think back to the statement from the mini-lecture. Reflect on the actions of your students and the way they may feel about that statement. In what ways do your students display the disconnect that Jonathan speaks about in the video, and embody the statement above. Enter your responses into the Padlet by clicking on the link, then double-clicking anywhere on the page, and typing in your response using the header Lesson 1: https://padlet.com/jtshepp0614/d5vwz5dz2ufxfoyz
Lesson 2: Growth vs Fixed Mindset
Mini Lecture
In this lesson, we are going to look at the traits that allow someone to identify the mindset that an individual is in. In Carol Dweck's writings, she details two different mindsets, growth and fixed. Students who display a growth mindset approach their learning and challenges differently than those with a fixed mindset. Those with a fixed mindset are more concerned with displaying how smart they are, or hide how unintelligent they may be. Those with a fixed mindset are unwilling, or afraid, to ask questions when they do not know something because they want to preserve the image that they are smart, or hide that they do not know something. In contrast, those with a growth mindset are more concerned about learning and improving. They are more willing to ask questions when they are unsure of something. Additionally, they are more willing to put in the effort to improve and grow. Those with a fixed mindset will be of the thought that if they do not know something then there is no point in putting effort in because they will not be able to get any better. It is this major difference that sets the two mindsets apart. Those with a growth mindset will put in the effort and be unafraid to try and fail, those with a fixed mindset will not be willing to put in the same amount of work (PERTS Mindset Kit, 2016).
To Do
Watch the video below and think about the statements you wrote at the end of Lesson 1. Ask yourself, "What kind of mindset do my students display based on the statements made before? Are any of the observations that you made, or any of the ones by any other member of this course, reflect any of the traits discussed in this video. If so, in what way?
Now that you have watched this video and have a better understanding of both fixed and growth mindset traits, we are now going to think about where our own mindset is situated. Take a look at James Anderson's Mindset Continuum below.
Using this continuum, reflect upon your own mindset and respond to these questions using this padlet
https://padlet.com/jtshepp0614/d5vwz5dz2ufxfoyz
and the Title Lesson 2:
- Where do you have a growth mindset?
- Where do you have a fixed mindset?
- Reflect on your experience as an educator: What do you notice about the mindsets of students?
Referrences
Mindset Works, Inc. (2017). Decades of Scientific Research that Started a Growth Mindset Revolution. The Growth Mindset - What is Growth Mindset - Mindset Works. https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/.
PERTS Mindset Kit. (2016). What is a growth mindset?, About Growth Mindset. Mindset Kit. https://www.mindsetkit.org/topics/about-growth-mindset/what-is-growth-mindset.