Counselor Connection
Teaching and the Growth Mindset
There is so much information available currently about the "best practices" in teaching, that it is almost impossible to incorporate all of it into the classroom. In addition, each classroom family is unique and what works for one child in the family may not work with another child! Our ability to be open to reflection and feedback on our teaching practices and, in addition, our willingness to change what isn't effective, are the cornerstones to successful teaching. One practice is creating an environment that promotes a “Growth Mindset” for our students.
During guidance lessons this month, I will be focusing on Growth Mindset. I find this time of year is a great time to concentrate on mindset. It can be difficult in winter with colder days, less sunlight, and pondering what improvements need to be made. Sometimes the change that needs to happen is a change in mindset. If it is difficult to consider doing this across your entire life, consider having a growth mindset in one particular area. Modeling this for our students is the best way for them to learn this skill set.
Carol Dweck, PhD, is a psychologist and researcher from Stanford University, who is responsible for coining the phrase, “Growth Mindset”. In the attached video, she provides some helpful advice on how to encourage the process and not the result. This practice focuses our praise on a child's efforts and willingness to put in hard work and look for unique solutions to problems, rather than emphasizing on the outcome which may inadvertently make our children anxious and resort to measures such as cheating in order to get that coveted perfect score!!
Alicia Porras
- 19 Classroom Guidance Sessions
- 4 Career Make-up Lesson - this impacts our CCRPI score
- 40 Individual Sessions
- 105 Backpack Buddies bags distributed
- 55 Poplar Road Families served through Christmas In Coweta