One of my goals this year, as stated in my ALP (Annual
Learning Plan) is to practice the Growth Mindset. Our Principal
mentioned it at the August PA Day and shared a TED Talk by Eduardo
Briceno. It got me thinking – so much so that I tell people that I’m on the
Growth Mindset Road! It has been transformative and I’m just six weeks in!
I’ve started reading Carole Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.
I take exception to the title – this can-do attitude isn’t “new” – remember the
“Little Engine That Could”? The mantra
was: “I think I can, I think I can …” Maybe
it’s the context that is new.
But how has this been ‘transformative’? I find myself
telling my students: “Okay, you aren’t able to (insert skill or question
here) - you just can’t do it YET.
Let’s take a look at what you can do RIGHT NOW, to get there.” And I have to
tell you – every time – EVERY SINGLE TIME (!!) a lightness comes over their
facial features, with a smile – and a renewed energy infuses their body language.
Such a small word – such a huge impact! I have followed it up with some goal
setting for each individual, that we write down or type, on their laptops –
something that is visual and retrievable. We make the goals attainable. I state
that these goals are dynamic and that they can be adjusted as things roll
along.
I am looking forward to watching how this new journey of
mine/ours unfolds!
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