If I am being honest, I feel we have used the term “growth mindset”  as some kind of set state of being.  Like “I have brown hair”.  What I quickly found in my reading is that it is not a static situation but actually more of a verb.  Something that has to be worked at, tried or taught over and over again.

I found myself thinking about what a growth mind set is or how one acquires this outlook most directly related to myself and my own children.  After a frustrating basketball practice, I had an interesting discussion with my youngest son, Brady.  He was upset that the coach had stopped the drill focused in on something he was doing, gave him suggestions on how to fix it and then put him back into the situation.  Brady felt he had been punished and was embarrassed.  So there it was driving up Ygancio Valley Road and I had an ah-ha moment, this was an opportunity to teach growth mindset.  We talked about what value there was in having this moment with the coach, was there anything that he could learn from the interaction? Though at first he did not want to admit it he realized that he had learned and improved from the feedback – this is a big deal, he’s only 12.  We talked about seeing moments that were not perfect as opportunities to get better and not just repeat the same thing or settle.

Throughout the summer there were many instances where I was re-directing the way my kids viewed something and helping them to see what came from the situation, what could be learned, what opportunities there might be in those moments.  It was through this I realized that this mindset is not fixed its not something you have or don’t have but a process that needs to be re-examined and practiced.  For some it may be harder then others, but we have great opportunity with children to re-direct their thinking and hopefully make it a habit, at least sometimes.

 In the book, I appreciated the discussion that a growth mindset might come easier in some areas of our life but not in others.  This is real and important for us to remember, especially in classrooms.  this process and way of thinking will come easier for some then for others.  Or they might be more open to it in their sport and not in the classroom. Its not to stay we don’t keep trying but just a point to remember.

From a teaching perspective I have thought about growth mind set in two ways.  The first view is in reminding every student that they can grow in science, they can find value and application and that will lead to success.  The second, is my view of each student and remembering to see every student as capable.  It is easy to discount a students ability after failed exams or quizzes or a perceived lack of effort.  We can work to see each of these situations (students) as having growth potential.

I gained a lot of perspective reading this book.  Most importantly, I believe that having a growth mind set is an action that needs practice, teaching and re-directing.  It’s not like you wake up one day put it on and you are set for life (at least not for most people).