November Growth Mindset Theme
I am a valued member of this learning community!
"We Rise by Lifting Others." ~Robert Ingersoll
We have said that growth mindset is simply the belief that things like intelligence and ability can be changed. So, you may find yourself asking, what do relationships have to do with it? After all, only you can control your mindset, right? Well, yes and no. While it's true that only an individual can change his or her mindset, we believe that through developing strong relationships, it's possible to foster a classroom environment in which conditions are ripe for students to embrace a growth mindset. Here are the five cornerstones to building effective relationships with students that help to foster this environment:
- Students know that the teacher has faith in their ability to achieve.
- Students respect and like their teacher as a person.
- Students seek and embrace the teacher's feedback.
- Students know that grades are less important than growth.
- Students feel safe with their teacher.
Does creating an environment like this mean that all rules are thrown out the window and the students are coddled? Not at all. It means that in order for students to get down to the real business of learning, with all its mistakes and failures and pitfalls and humbling setbacks, it must be done in a nurturing environment which looks like this:
- Mistakes are learning opportunities followed by second(or third) chances.
- The students love the teacher because he or she encourages them to challenge themselves and is responsive to student needs.
- Teacher believes with effort and practice, every student can make achievement gains in any discipline.
- Students manage their own learning and are encouraged to take risks. Teacher serves as a facilitator and guide.
Relationships mean that we don't just say we believe in a student's potential, we show them the way.
In addition, it's important to foster an environment in which a student feels safe enough to attempt challenges with his/her peers.
This is our focus this month! :)