Have you encountered students who don't await your next lesson with eager anticipation? It might not be your fault. In her book "Mindset", Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck uses numerous studies and stories to show how students across the learning spectrum demonstrate a "fixed mindset" by avoiding activities and assessments that they perceive they will not do well on. They avoid challenges and perceived risks because even the struggle suggests that they are not as smart or talented as they have been repeatedly told they are. By contrast, students who are praised for their dedication, determination and grit exhibit a "growth mindset" that drives authentic inquiry.
Come and join the discussion of what can be done in your classroom the create an environment that encourages kids to develop the character traits that lead to growth and learning. In addition to "Mindset," qualitative and quantitative research from the following books will also be used: "Outliers", "David and Goliath," "Drive," "How Children Succeed," "The Gift of Failure," "The Global Achievement Gap" and "Most Likely to Succeed."
