Before you begin reading, predict the numbers that complete this equation.
Intelligence =_____% effort vs. _____% ability*
Consider this quote from Michael Jordan: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot. . .and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
Michael Jordan (1997 Nike commercial)
Michael Jordan (1997 Nike commercial)
What are mindsets and how do they affect our classrooms? What are ways we can build a growth mindset within our classroom? What are some ways to help students adopt a growth mindset? As I continue to research and read, these questions appear to urgently be in need of answers and more importantly transformed into daily classroom practice in every classroom beginning in preschool. As I write this blog, I think about how the world watched an entire global celebration of grit and growth mindset during the summer Olympics in Rio. Bring it on!
The growth mindset confirms that intelligence can be developed, and expertise can be built by
means of deliberate practice.
Back in August I read about teachers allowing their students to struggle to help them understand that learning often times involves struggle and failure; however, with continued effort and perseverance the likelihood of success increases. One of our own teachers, Amanda Jain, actually experimented with this idea during one of her exams. The problem I see is, if one teacher focuses on grit, the students will be influenced while in that particular teacher’s classroom. For a genuine shift to occur, the students need consistency over time and within different contexts. The idea of a school-wide campaign on grit appeals to me and what the mission of the CSJ’s represents.
In August, our department started a “How to Learn Math For Teachers” course constructed by Jo Boaler, a Stanford University Maths professor. Through the continuing discussions we have about the growth mindset, the idea of grit was also apparent. It led many of us to a TED talk video from Angela Duckworth about grit and her findings of how it was such a key factor in student success. As a department we have discussed what grit means to us and how we could apply that in our classroom to help make our students more successful.
Have you used the idea of grit in your classroom this year yet?
My focus for grit in the classroom is on building their stamina and confidence in their own abilities, as well as building cognition. My job is to give them tools and skill sets to do the very best they can and to not feel overwhelmed/ready to quit before they even begin. I model grit as often as possible for my students, and have found myself on many occasions using it myself. Often times, I find myself overwhelmed with all of the things I have to do that have nothing to do with planning quality lessons. I also am overwhelmed with continuously trying to differentiate my craft so that I meet all of the individual needs of every student. I to feel like giving up some days due to the fear that I will fail the monumental task entrusted to me, but know that I need to push on and push through (use grit) because the job I have is so very important.
Teaching reeks stress and havoc as a result of juggling so many priorities, and yes, they all are priorities that all need our time and attention. Right now. And faster is better. The reality is that our accelerated pace truly does not serve anyone (teachers and/or students). It is not how fast students master learning but rather their persistence, grit, and effort they put forth along with the right menu of teaching strategies. The growth mindset of a teacher contributes greatly to his or her responsiveness to the needs of students. Let us all step back, take a deep breath, be reminded that teaching is the most noble of all professions. We are truly the fortunate who can call themselves teachers. Thanks for stopping by and strengthening some neurons.
* Depending on your mindset:
Fixed mindset = 35% effort vs. 65% ability
Growth mindset = 65% effort vs. 35% ability