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What are some techniques you have used, or currently use, to encourage a growth mindset in yourself?
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If I have a big task or problem ahead of me, I’ll break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Prayer and Scripture play a major role in helping keep me from becoming overwhelmed or overcast. Seeking someone else’s help and advice has often helped a great deal as well as surrounding myself with encouraging people rather than those who enjoy tearing others down.
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A few years ago I came across the idea of Growth Mindset from a school website. I was fascinated by the idea, so I bought and read Carol Dweck’s book. It really blew my mind. I started teaching in a time when we thought of IQ as a fixed thing, similar to a person’s height. My whole approach to who I am and what I am capable of changed. I thought back to friend that I had who were not the smartest, but worked so diligently and advanced in their learning and personal achievement. I was so challenged that I enrolled in a Teachers’ Certification Program. I remind myself that although something may be difficult, I can keep at it and eventually I will learn. This has helped me to be proactive in incorporating technology in my class. I have decided to take time to learn how to use tech tools to enrich my teaching, whereas before, I was hesitant.
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The technique I use to have an open mindset is always listening or watch to see how another does something. I have learned to be quick to listen and slow to talk to learn a new way of doing something.
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I seem to always have something on my mind that I would like to learn about and I am often discouraged because it is such a daunting task. So, I narrow down on something and get it done. For example, this summer I wanted to understand Piaget’s research more. However, that would take years so I am focus on a few publications and taking a deep dive into the specific experiments that were conducted. If I could understand 8 to 10 specific experiments and their results, I feel that will be enough progress.
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I think in my own life I am often heard saying, “It never hurts to try.” Having a willing attitude to begin or learn something new is sometimes all the motivation needed to move to a position of growth. I think growth mindset also comes from the practice of reflection. When we take time to think about how we did something, how others were affected, and how we might need to adjust or change we not only grow, but I believe we honor the Lord by having a teachable spirit.
