The Growth Mindset: Them versus Me
I consider myself to be pretty reflective. As a mother, I think about how I handle certain situations with my toddler. I take it to my partner for another perspective, and then decide if I want to continue in that direction. As an educator, I think about how I handled interactions with various students, how I taught a lesson, whether or not I should have said that, and literally... the list goes on. But - I am thinking about it and trying to be better always.
In one of my all-time favorite anime series (Hunter x Hunter), one character said stated the following:
An apology is a promise to do things differently next time, and to keep that promise.
Though a reflection does not always end in an apology, I do feel very connected to that quote. It's a reminder to recognize that perfection is not real. It's a reminder that I need to keep trying a variety of things to ensure student success, promote math confidence, and empower them in their learning experience.
So what's my point? Well... I've been reading a book called Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom by Pamela Seda and Kyndall Brown. Needless to say, it's causing me to reflect on plenty parts of my career in math education.
In the first few chapters, I've already had to "check" myself on my own growth mindset. Maybe I don't have as much of a growth mindset as I think I do. How am I not listening to my own advice? MY OWN TEACHING?! How dare I request that from others and not do it myself? Wait - let's pause for a minute. Don't get it twisted... I do believe that the mind can develop through dedication and hard work (word to Carol Dweck). But, as I return to student life in my grad program, I realize I needed to "re-check" myself. I need to cover my wall in post-it note reminders and fill my mind with "you got this" energy and messages. I need to remind myself: it's not all going to come easy! Sometimes, I will have to try something different than others to make it work for ME. I am not the same student I was in college. I have different obligations and responsibilities.
So, let's apply that to me trying to get my students to have a growth mindset. I mean... was I just talking the talk? At first, OF COURSE NOT. Fresh out of college and placed into a school with low performing students? I meant what I said! You CAN do it. You WILL get this. I got your back! I believed what I was saying. It was real to me - then. Now, it's become more of a script. Say this, see these results. It's always worked for me, so it works. OH NO! I'm falling right into position: part of the vicious cycle of complacency.
Please don't misunderstand. It's still true: the students CAN do it and they WILL get it because I will be there to support them. I smiled, I was warm, and I was genuinely interested in their interests. I felt like my students could appreciate "The Show", but it was heading toward a one-(wo)man show. Instead, I should have been heading toward more of a dinner theater experience to get ALL involved in the learning. Anyways, THESE are my stories (that I shall continue in other posts).
I love this because it highlights a lot of what many of us are thinking and how we feel! Don't worry, you are not alone. I give my students lessons on growth mindset and I never accept when they say "I can't do this" even though I have said that phrase a few times...recently. I know I can do many things but when we are under stress, all we know and teach goes right out the window. I tend to lean on others when this happens and it helps me come back to reality and tell myself how awesome I am until I believe it again.
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone! I've always believed in having a growth mindset. I try to be everyone's positive influence but sometimes I need to walk it like I talk it too!
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