WICOR Wednesday
Puterbaugh Middle School Volume 1.7
Motivation and Student Success
Today, AVID is highly influenced by the work of Carol Dweck, one of the world’s
leading researchers and thought leaders in the field of motivation. Her research at Stanford University focuses on why people succeed and how to foster success. In her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck insists that we look at the world with either a “growth mindset” or a “fixed mindset.” The former is characterized by the belief that talents and abilities are fixed, and no amount of work can change them. The latter is characterized by the belief that talents and abilities can be developed through hard work and education. She argues that students can, and should, be taught that effort can lead to positive changes and success. Dweck’s work supports AVID’s central philosophy that all students—no matter their backgrounds—have not only the right, but the ability to succeed.
The Power of Believing You Can Improve
This Week's Focus: Growth vs. Fixed Mindset
Instructional Steps:
1. Briefly explain to students the difference between a fixed mindset vs. a growth mindset, without implying which mindset is more beneficial in life.
2. Distribute the Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Self-Assessment Continuum and have students complete the activity.
3. Then distribute the Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: Self-oAssessment Continuum Reflection and have students address the written-response reflection questions.
To increase the rigor of this activity, read an article by Dweck (I have attached one below) and then have a Socratic Seminar on the selected reading.
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Happy Wednesday!
Stephanie