I came across some
interesting articles by Dr. Carol Dwek (Professor of Psychology Stanford) that support my value on process
over product. Especially with some of my junior high classes that are lower
level English and low EQ, I wish I had magic powers to help these kids want to
learn. These “problem” students definitely are classic examples of a Fixed Mind
Set.
Fixed Mindset
|
Growth Mindset
|
1. Goals- fear based,
having to look smart at all costs; doesn’t study deeply
|
1. Goals- learn at all
costs; dives into learning challenges and tasks, no fear of losing face in
front of peers if learning
|
2. Effort- Learning
something should come naturally; effort means not smart enough
|
2. Effort- enjoys effort;
understands that hard work and practice, that learning is a process, it doesn’t
come magically
|
3. Setbacks- Setbacks are
always negative. Hide mistakes, conceal deficiencies, be defensive
|
3. Setbacks- Setbacks are
always positive. Capitalize on mistakes, confront deficiencies; realize that
setbacks are a natural part of the
learning process
|
How can I possibly
help these kids change from a Fixed, to a Growth Mindset? According to Prof.
Dwek, it comes in educating the person that they can change and become a better
learner. Anyone can grow a growth mindset, like a muscle.
The person needs
to learn brain basics (“Brainology”), that effort and difficulty create new
neurons in the brain. These brain basics include a lesson on short term and
long term memory and study strategies to help memory, a lesson on brain behavior,
how neurotransmitters work with emotions and self-regulation and a lesson on
brain building (neuroplasticity and learning).
I would also want to emphasize
to the kids how overall self-care contributes or harms brain health; getting enough sleep, drinking adequate amounts of water, omega 3 and 6, eating clean,
managing stress, regular exercise, etc affects their brain health.
Dwek participated
in many studies one of which proved that praising kids backfires and does not
create a growth mindset. Praising final results (like good grades) backfires
and promotes a fixed mindset. I see it here in this school, older elementary
school students are afraid to make mistakes, to ask teacher crucial questions
or take risks. Praising results teaches
the child that the adult can look inside of them and measure how smart they
are. Instead parents and educators should be praising the process, praising the
effort. In fact, in one study of mothers praising their 1-3 year olds, their
child’s mindset could be predicted (fixed).
It is my hope I
can have a classroom environment that feels safe for students to “fail forward”,
to honor the process of learning and praise the effort. If I can at least reach one child to redefine success as growth and not perfection, then I am a successful educator. I realize there is also a cultural barrier; the whole "lose face" culture is very strong, especially with Junior High kids as well as parents of a Confucian background focusing on test results over basics like getting enough sleep. Since final tests are over and we have 4 weeks of teaching before winter break, the next month will be one big experiment on promoting a growth mindset in my classrooms.
Here are some resources I recommend:
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