Facing the Year with a Growth Mindset
“I think intelligence is something you have to work for … it isn’t just given to you.… Most kids, if they’re not sure of an answer, will not raise their hand to answer the question. But what I usually do is raise my hand, because if I’m wrong, then my mistake will be corrected. Or I will raise my hand and say, ‘How would this be solved?’ or ‘I don’t get this. Can you help me?’ Just by doing that I’m increasing my intelligence.”
With all of the powerful implications of Carol Dweck’s work (Mindset: The New Psychology of Success 2007), “Growth Mindset” is fast becoming another educational buzz word. The student quoted above exemplifies someone with a growth mindset. Challenges are welcomed. Failures are occasions to learn. Experiences are opportunities to grow in understanding when the world is viewed from this lens. I am inspired by students like this.I work hard to instill these values in all learners – from young children to adults. If I am not challenging someone, then I am not doing my job.
As educators, we can aspire to maintain a growth mindset . This thinking translates easily to the initiatives on the table for the 2014-2015 school year. There is a lot of new material to work through – educator evaluations, DDMs, PARCC (NEW info from DESE), Growth Percentiles using PARCC vs. MCAS, state standards, new math programs to name just a few. If we approach each as a challenge as an opportunity to learn perhaps it will all seem a bit less daunting. And, if we can support each other as a community of learners, the journey becomes a shared journey on the quest for greater knowledge. No question is a silly question. So, raise those hands high!
Happy September!
Sue Looney, Ed.D.
President – LMC
Looney Math Consulting