Developing a Growth Mindset
iPad Innovation in the Classroom
I have always considered myself as a life-long learner, but the past five weeks have helped me develop that idea to a deeper, more coherent definition of what that means. This definition has come to a peak with the reading of Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset.
Ability, skill or intelligence is something that can be developed and you are not stuck with a perceived given talent.
Dweck describes this as a growth mindset (2006). It was the research and not the anecdotal stories that struck me as the most important parts of the book. The idea that praising effort and not correctness allowed students to increase skill (Dweck, 2006, p. 72). These are the same ideas I try to spread in my writing, trainings, and daily interactions. Following this trend, the same is true for my innovation plan. Although teachers may feel that they do not feel comfortable with iPads in education, or just integrating technology, in general, they will be able to get there. It is not that they do not have the knowledge or ability, it is that they do not have the knowledge of ability “yet” (Standford Alumni, 2014).
In “Creating Significant Learning Environment” I encouraged learners to create their own learning paths. To find their own discoveries, and in turn find their own sense of awe in the learning. Learning to be learning; discover because it intrigues the mind. This is encouraging a growth mindset. My described learning environment encourages and rewards learners that strike on their own and focus on the learning instead of the completion of skills.
A growth mindset also supports a constructivism cognitivist approach. Where learners are active in their learning, creating their own learning journey, and make connections within the learning. As this plan continues, I will use my learning philosophy to support the growth mindset that is needed for the integration of iPads to increase learning by the students and opportunities for the teachers and administration.
Where others can learn from each other, mistakes can be made, and success can be celebrated.
The adjustment to a digital learning format will be challenging to teachers and administration. It will require effort and failure. These two words are not an option for those with a fixed mindset (Dweck, 2006, p. 10). As such a shift toward a growth mindset must occur, for an increase in the educational opportunities iPads introduce in the classroom. As described in my plan, a community of learners is formed. Where others can learn from each other, mistakes can be made, and success can be celebrated. In the plan, there is a location for teachers to discuss what is going on in their iPad integration process, and what concerns they have. Also, teachers will be encouraged to submit their own exemplar lessons to the community. Addressing challenges, listening for the fixed mindset voice, and helping all involved with support for all learners will be key to a shift to the growth mindset.
Previously, I had investigated and written about the work of Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, and Switzler in their book Influencer. In the book, they describe how there are six sources of influence to help in leading change. Change is what will lead to new opportunities, and it is using the six sources of influence that will make those opportunities come to fruition. Specifically, having a shift in mindset will use the personal motivation and abilities sources of influence. As the fixed mindset does appear, and it will, it will be those sources of influence that help get over those hurdles. As Dr. Dweck writes:
“How you interpret challenges, setbacks, and criticism is your choice. You can interpret them in a fixed mindset as signs that your fixed talents or abilities are lacking. Or you can interpret them in a growth mindset as signs that you need to ramp up your strategies and effort” (How can you change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset?)
Providing teachers and administrators with personal motivation support like choice, direct experiences, meaningful stories, and making the learning a game (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013, p. 81) can keep the fixed mindset out. Also support in personal ability with a focus on learning how to learn (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013, p. 116) and supportive practice. These sources of influences are also seen in my course plans.
As I look back on my 3 column table from Fink’s Taxonomy plan and the Understanding by Design plan, I feel as though I will support this growth mindset. As a focus is placed on the end goal, learners will have something to drive toward. As described in the Growth Mindset it is the pursuit of becoming better and challenging oneself expresses a growth mindset. Just as Tiger Woods practiced to place a ball exactly where he wanted it or Michael Jordan continued to improve his set of skills (Dweck, 2006, p. 101), giving learners time to practice on the skills and discuss and reflect on their learning they will be able to access the growth mindset. Both plans outline time to create, reflect, revise, discuss and then start back over to a pursuit of continual improvement.
It is the improvement of the educational experience for teacher and student alike that I am developing a plan for iPad integration. Keeping in mind to create a learning environment that encourages discovery and growth, embedding constructivist design in lessons, and being sure to keep the end in mind I feel as though I will be able to support my learners in the development of a growth mindset. Incorporating and designing a classroom for iPad learning is the goal of my innovation plan, but many teachers and administrators may not feel they have these skills to do this. Yet.
Resources
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House Publishing Group.
Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change, second edition. McGraw-Hill Professional.
How can you change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://mindsetonline.com/changeyourmindset/firststeps/index.html.
Stanford Alumni. (2014). Carol Dweck, “Developing a growth mindset.” Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ.
Vergés, X. (2011). Grow your people [Photo]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/xverges/5866575567/
