We have adopted the growth mindset model at our school. Presenting these ideas as new concepts is a struggle for me as it is just the way we do business! Yet is a great word. It, to me, signifies the promise of the future, the fruit of your labor. If at first, you don’t succeed go try again! Adopting this mindset has changed us to be more community minded. Example, if a student is struggling with a concept, use whatever resources are there to help you through the process so that you have that high level of achievement. Achievement is not defined as a grade, rather proof that you grasp the concept.
Mindset has a lot to do with criticism, but I believe that nothing influences the response after criticism quite like the relationship. I have always followed the Capturing Kids Hearts model “Students do not care how much you know until the know how much you care”. Build a relationship first and all criticism becomes growth instead of detriment.
As a coach, I deploy a No Fear model to my athletes which basically covers key elements in the growth mindset model. N is Never Give Up, O is Obstacles to Opportunities, F is Focus, E is RE Focus, A is Attitude, and R is Respond don’t React. This is my first year as a head coach at the high school level. I am taking over a JV team that has not won a game …..ever.. We are 0-3 but the players are buying in to the no fear model and I am confident that this streak will be broken. Hopefully tonight! These guys are working hard and not letting setbacks or the mentality “we never win so we are supposed to lose” get to them.
Growth Mindset works. It must flow naturally and not be forced. The students will have a shift in the way they attack challenges! It truly is fun to watch!
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