2. Have you ever trusted someone’s negative evaluation of your ability or talent? Think about it now. How did they judge your potential?
3. How can your mindset about your students affect how you teach?
*Join the discussion by providing your thoughts in the comments box below and adding feedback to the thoughts of two other participants.
1. The people I know that are brilliant and talented yet not successful seem to lack the drive to work harder to overcome obstacles or try new strategies in order to reach success. Sometimes they were given the wrong kind of praise for their talent and as the book stated that can be a negative thing. Whereas people who may not be as brilliant or talented if they are willing to try new strategies, practice more and have drive/determination to overcome obstacles which arise that ultimately can lead to success.
ReplyDelete2. It can be all too easy to let someone’s opinion of you or your ability affect you in a negative way. Letting their opinion get in your head and cause you to doubt yourself. I took an art class in high school and after some negative criticism about my work from a few fellow classmates it deterred me from taking any more art classes which is sad because I do like art. Unfortunately I tend to trust other’s evaluations (negative or positive) all too much and often. I think a lot of it has to do with having a fixed mindset most of the time, something I am trying to change. Plus after reading chapter 3 and where it mentioned that women tend to trust others opinions more, I agree completely. It definitely makes sense and clearly starts at a young age for us ladies. However I know this can be overcome. One area where I’ve not let negative opinions stop me is ironically in science (minus chemistry lol). I tend to have a growth mindset when it comes to this subject. I’ve always loved it, found it interesting and challenging at times in a positive way. I think a lot of it has to do with all of my science teachers (7th-12th grade) and the way they taught science ignited that growth mindset way of thinking/learning within me.
3. This kind of goes with my previous answer. Thanks to my science teachers having growth mindsets, teaching in interesting ways and not having fixed judgments, I likewise had a growth mindset when it came to that subject. If as an educator we approach teaching our students or evaluating them with a fixed mindset that can influence their thoughts about their academic abilities.This also goes back to the wrong type of praise or labeling as mentioned in our book. If you label a student or give them the wrong type of praise that can lead them to believe that they are either not good enough or (the reverse of that) that they are too good in a specific area and no longer need to continue to work at it, try hard and grow/learn. Both examples would be a disservice to a student.
I agree with you about the qualities of successful people. To be successful, it is more important to have drive than it is to have talent.
DeleteI can agree with you on number 2. Art was never easy for me. The teacher I had seemed to only like the artistic kids. They turned me even more away because, she never put effort in the ones like me that could not draw. To the day my two children draw better than I can.
Delete1. One person I knew in high school seemed to have it all, the drive, determination and leadership to succeed. The grades were perfect, competitions were successful. He was someone that you thought would end up ruling the world. Something happened when he went to college. The overextending and pressure to be perfect ended up being too much. To get out of taking a test he felt he wasn't prepared for he made a bomb threat to university. This is how I learned that the FBI can find you even if you call from a pay phone. Trying to be perfect ruined his life.
ReplyDeleteAnother person that I graduated with was just a nice, happy go lucky guy. He shows up at our reunion working for Robert Redford’s Sundance Company and married to a model. Living his dream. He wasn’t overly intelligent (even though he was smart enough to take me to homecoming) had a normal family life, but what really stands out about him was his willingness to try again when something didn’t work.
2. As previously mentioned I have had some negative feedback about my athletic ability. While getting my B.S. I saved my P.E. credits for the last semester of my last year. Yes, I needed to pass P.E. 100 and bowling to graduate. I really did not want to go through the humiliation of those classes! Had the same coach for each class and ended up loving it. Yes, I do remember my teacher saying, “Karen, what is wrong with you today? Get over here” and he would but me on a lane by myself. Probably to stop anyone from getting hurt, but I like to think of it as giving me the extra help I needed. I still use those bowling skills and give him credit whenever I break 100.
3. My mindset toward our students needs to be that I believe in them. They can accomplish what is set before them. Where they are now is just a point right now and that point will keeping moving forward!
I can relate to your bowling skills. Breaking 100 is a big accomplishment. It is so encouraging to have teachers who believe in you and push you to become the best you can be.
DeleteI like what you stated in number 3. I think these kids need to hear from us that we believe in them. Any encouragement we can give them can only build them up.
DeleteSounds like we need to go bowling! Ha! It is unfortunate to be given negative feedback or limited expectations, especially from a mentor. We are so fortunate that you have brought your growth mindset to share with us at PH!
DeleteI am right there with you in the athletic apartment. My sister use to make fun of me when I tried to play volleyball with her. Though looking back, I probably shouldn't have gave up so easy, that was my fixed mindset.
DeleteI agree with Holly. We all need to go bowling. It could be a great stress relief so we keep growth mindsets. A few laughs at ourselves would be fun too. I took bowling as my PE elective also.
DeleteUgh, bowling. I'm glad you had someone to teach you and encourage you! I had one horribly embarrassing moment with bowling and still hate it to this day. Unfortunately the people I was there with will never let me forget it.
DeleteI can totally relate! I am not good at bowling either and haven't broke 100 in years!! I also had a teacher who knew chemistry is not my strong suit, but I was in theatre so she had me present some chemistry lessons in character to make up extra creditime. It meant a lot for her to use my strengths to help me get over a hurdle.
Delete1. The people I know who are successful, though not necessarily brilliant or talented, seem to have more drive and determination than the people I know who are brilliant/talented but not quite as successful. I was in choir in high school with several people who had beautiful singing voices, but did not have the drive to become successful musicians. However, I also went to high school with a guy who was seemed to be pretty much your average student in many ways, but now he is the owner/operator of his own grocery store, because he knew what he wanted to do and stuck with it until he achieved his goal.
ReplyDelete2. Again thinking about my high school choir experience, I was often really discouraged about my singing abilities because I was never chosen to sing solos, while 2 other girls in the choir got almost all of the solos every year. I don't think the choir teacher was thinking about my potential when making those decisions. No, I was not the best singer in the group, but I was willing to try and become better. By not giving me a chance at any solos, she made me think I wasn't good enough and I therefore quit trying as hard. I think if she would have given me a chance and worked with me on my vocal abilities, I could have excelled more.
3. My mindset about my students completely changes the way I relate to them. As stated in previous weeks, if I remind myself that they have potential and can always improve, I hold them to a higher standard than I do if I just look at their current abilities. I tend to teach them harder concepts when I view them through a growth mindset, and because of that, they learn more.
That is an excellent point you make. Growth mindset leads to challenging our students and holding them to higher standards. That is why with my 2nd-4th grade students I set typing wpm/accuracy goals and challenge them to meet and surpass these goals. Once they do I raise the goals and continue to challenge them. It keeps typing from becoming as boring which we all know from keyboarding classes can happen.
DeleteI agree it is all about the drive and determination to become successful in careers, family goals, sports participation, and basically all areas of people's lives.
DeleteI agree, we can always teach students new things. It is our job has teachers to push the a little bit and see what they can learn. If we have a fixed mindset we will always only teach them the basics and will never push their minds.
DeleteI believe in pushing our kids no matter ability. I believe it teaches them drive and will hopefully instill a growth mindset.
DeleteI agree, kids can do so much more than we give them credit for sometimes! We have to always keep challenging them and pushing them to learn and do more.
Delete1. I believe attitude makes the difference. People that push themselves to always try and never give up are the successful ones. I have a cousin who in high school did pretty well in class. She did enough to get by. I was shocked when in college she pushed herself to be the best. She graduated at the top of her class and now is an RN for Mercy. She put her mind to it and accomplished it. She had some obstacles she had to over come with health issues. She never up!! In high school there were also the ones that did great in school. They graduated top of the class. In college they don't push themselves and give up. I think our mindset determines where we go and how we get there.
ReplyDelete2. Growing up math was a challenge and it never came easy. My mom expected A's from my sister and A, B, and C's from me. Looking back now I feel like my mom should have pushed me more. Instead I knew that A-C's were acceptable. I never really pushed myself to do better. I was in my comfort zone of a fixed mindset and never pushed myself towards the growth mindset.
3. My mindset towards our student is to never give up. Always push for more. Some kids this works well for and others not so much. I just hope I can find a way to teach these kids on the level that they understand. Attitude is everything and in order to succeed you have to push yourself even when it is not easy. Don't give up!
You are right, attitude and determination do make a difference. Also it is as you mentioned in your second answer that setting high goals or standards helps as well. Continuing to challenge, to push ones self and over come obstacles is what the growth mindset is all about. Great last 2 lines of your post, "Attitude is everything and in order to succeed you have to push yourself even when it is not easy. Don't give up!" Very well stated and I completely agree. Now to just execute that more in all areas of my life.
DeleteIn my school we also had the top of the class students who did great in college and those that didn't. I agree that they didn't push themselves or even know how to push themselves because high school was just easy for them- no goals or challenges. I had to learn how to study in college, because elementary, middle, and high school was just always easy for me (apparently not challenging). Luckily, I was determined!
Delete1. Two of my forever best friends are extremely successful and both have the growth mindset. One graduated college with the honors in Marketing -- excellent pay, traveled the world, and appeared to have it all. Realizing that something was missing (the desire to make a difference in someone's life), she went back to college and is now a highly trained and successful physical therapist. She still takes many extra courses and trainings to continue to grow and make a difference. My other best friend does not have a degree and did not attend college, however, she is one of the top and most successful real estate agents in her state. What makes them successful? A continual growth mindset, attitude, and GOAL setting. They are simply average women whom are brilliant in my book.
ReplyDeleteSome of the most brilliant (IQ) people I know are not successful because of lack of direction or goals. Probably the smartest person I know (yes, with multiple degrees and even multiple masters degrees) works in a coffee shop because he just doesn't know what he wants to do. He has not set goals beyond obtaining education.
Comparison between the three is the ability or inability to set goals.
2. I choose not to think of a specific negativity. Negative criticism is very hard to get over. It can give a person overwhelming feelings of self-doubt, low self-esteem, anxiety and even depression. Some instances of negative criticism take a long time to overcome, if ever. We must learn and grow from criticism and constructive criticism -- find a solution or let it go.
3. My mindset as a teacher is to keep them moving forward and to let them feel successes. For me it is important to collect enough data at the beginning of the year to set goals for students. I take the data and decide how to differentiate and pace instruction for maximum growth for all. Through frequent progress monitoring the goals are adjusted all year long. The children are challenged and know which goals they are striving for.
I have immense respect for you. Kindergarten seems like the most difficult platform to teach. Some students were fortunate enough to have had preschool and some weren't. Some have amazing social skills and others struggle. And some have parents who are actively involved in their learning and some are left to figure it all out on their own. Your mindset has to be growth oriented in order to set these sponges off on their school career. I know every day you have to put on a million different hats in order to keep them actively participating. Kudos to you!
DeleteI like goal setting too. The students each have their own goal sheet that they color in and graph; they are not competing with each other just trying to better their own personal scores.
Delete1. My family has recently gained some new family friends who are brilliant! The husband owns his own company, but doesn't come across as if he were better than anyone else. He simply worked hard in college, got his degree and then took a leap of faith to build his dream job into a success. He surrounds himself with "can doers" and emits positivity. His wife is equally brilliant. She is a stay-at-home mom who has a master's degree, but has decided that her role in life is to keep her family organized and assist her church by being a permanent volunteer whenever she is needed.
ReplyDeleteI think the difference between these people and other people who are not "brilliant" is that our new friends choose to continue to find ways to succeed and be helpful. They are always looking to motivate, encourage and help those who they are around. Non-brilliant people tend to just bring everyone down and find ways to blame others for their lack of drive and success.
2.It's difficult to think back to a time when I felt shut down by someone's negative judgement of me. In college, I started out majoring in architecture. All of the professors were foreign and they were all men at the time. There were only 3 girls in my first year classes, including me, and by the end of the first year, I was the only girl left. The professors made it clear that if you couldn't handle their "constructive criticism", you weren't cut out for the program. The class required each project to meet specifications set out by the professors and each one averaged a cost of $100 plus the long nights spent in the studio creating them. The problem with the program, and I filed a complaint during my 2nd year there, was that during critiques, the professors would literally tear your projects apart just to get a rise from you. The two other girls in my class succumbed to tears on a regular basis. Finally after 2 years of torment of continuous negative criticism instead of constructive critique, I decided that this was not something of which I wanted to be a part. Looking back now, I wish I would have persevered.
3. I love witnessing such diverse personalities that students have. A lot of times, the students that are difficult for other teachers are the ones who behave well for me. But there is always at least one or two students (sometimes per grade), who push my buttons. Sometimes that makes me me worry more about classroom management than my planned lesson. It is frustrating to think about shortening a lesson to keep everyone on track and busy. On the other hand, there are several classes though that can handle more in-depth lessons or conversations. These classes are really exciting to be involved with and make my day. After reading this chapter though, I realize that I need to make all classes fit into this category and find ways to promote higher interest in order to worry less about discipline.
It's Karen - Holly in regards to your new friends, those are the kind you want to keep! They sound like they have the kind of mindset that would be supportive and help you reach whatever you wanted to accomplish.
Delete1. Someone who is close to me is really smart and should be successful, she went to college and got good grades. After she graduated she basically didn’t have it in her to try and use her degree. She had it all going for but the will to continue after, she was afraid of failure in the field she graduated from. Then there is someone else close to me who actually has dyslexia and other learning problems but is very successful because he pushed himself hard to get where he is. He showed up every day and on time, then went into work when he wasn’t scheduled. He really showed how much he cared for his residents and it showed.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, someone told me that it would be too hard to go to college after having two kids. She told me it would be too difficult and it takes too much to do both. She also said that I should wait until they were both in school to even try. They judged my potential on their own failures and abilities and unfortunately going through school, I almost believed them at times and gave up!
3. If you have a fixed mindset then you won’t be able to see change in your students. If you have a growth mindset then you believe you can help your students and allow them to achieve their goals. I think by believing in your students, you are showing them and teaching them about the growth mind set, teaching them that they will grow if they push themselves.
Brandy, your friend sounds a lot like my family member. It is really sad seeing someone you love and care about not pursuing their full potential because the idea of showing any failure might put him in a negative light in front of people he wants to impress. He never even tried and everyday I wonder how far he could have gone. He has the wings but is to scared to fly.
Delete1. I know someone who was top 10 of her High School class, 4.50 gpa talented and active in school activities FBLA(attending state in several areas placing in top 10) FHA serving as a local officer French club dance committiees went on to college. Worked very hard took 18 hours every Semester, but let personal negativity from her family situation take over. She was full of potential talent and intelligence and drive until she gave control of her life to the negative in her life. Gave into a fixed mindset. Someone else very close to me did not graduate High school but is one of the smartest persons I know. He has more drive to succeed in life in career and family than almost anyone else I know. His family is his drive. And Financially makes as much or more than some with degrees. Unlike the first person in this post he uses the possitive to focus on what is important to keep working hard and succeed even when hes ready to give up because of constant struggling. The differnce is letting negativity take over your life. Never giving up and the focus on the possitive in your life.
ReplyDelete2. As a Jr. In high school the opportunity comes to audition for all state choir. I was very confident that I would make to all state. I made it to the district choir and then from there top 8 of each district went on to the all state choir. I was not usually sure of myself but this time I was..But then the news came after the performance I did not make state. It was a blow to my confidence. The things the judges said were much more blunt than i was ever prepared for......"nice voice but not quality" I had been working for this since I was 11 and couldnt believe what I saw on my critque. I almost gave up singing and performing. I did finally get over those comments. Until then I had never had gotten negative responses. As i look back that event really prepared me for College audition into the school of music. Once I got my growth mindset re-established then i worked harder than ever that next year and landed a solid auditon made all state and was accepted to the the school of music at Eastern Illinois. The negative critque eventually made me push myself harder than ever and made my goal of landing a spot in music and my college auditon put me in the high choir and chambers. So glad i didnt give up.
3. Working with students who have learning disabilities who have constant struggles with school can be difficult to keep a growth mindset. Sometimes giving up with them could be the easy way out.And sometimes my growth mindset can be too hard on those kids. I forgot sometimes the struggles those kids have. I know not everyone will go to college and earn degrees but I have the utmost hope that they can have a quality filled life if they work hard. Finding the balance between that is how I can help them. Working hard is the secret to have a quality filled life. I hope showing them a growth mindset every day will inspire them to keep working no matter how difficult math or writing or reading is for them.
I'm also glad you didn't let one persons review of your music ability stop you! We would really of missed the many times you have shared your talent!
Delete1. Attitude makes a huge difference in whether people succeed or not. I have seen people who work hard at everything and do well without having higher education. However, I have seen people with many degrees fail at many things because they didn't care and didn't have the drive to do it, they just felt like that was what they were supposed to do. I feel like a lot of how well you do is how motivated you are to do well, yes you might not make it as far as you wanted, but you can still succeed.
ReplyDelete2.I know there are many times that people have criticized me and it has had a negative impact on me. Thinking of a specific one at the moment is not working, but I do know that it can be very difficult to get past them. At the time it often seems like the end of the world (especially if it comes from someone you love or look up to), but other times you learn from it and move on quickly. Learning to take criticism is not easy, but we all have to do it and use it to better ourselves.
3.My mindset as a teacher is to keep reminding my students that they can do it! I tell them that it might be hard and take some extra work to get there, but they can accomplish the goals that they want to and that I set for them. I know that they are all capable of so much and we can't set low goals for them because things are hard for them. Updating the students on their progress and continual encouragement will help them to know how they are doing and that you believe in them.
It's exciting to see those kids who really struggle be so proud of themselves when they see improvement and move toward their goals.
Delete1. I have someone in my family who was in the top 5% of his class; highly creative, artistic, musical, witty, and insightful; an honor student in college; and highly regarded in his masters program however his thesis did not come out the way he wanted so instead of finishing his degree he moved far away to a whole other city and now 6 years later he has moved back, but is not pursuing anything towards which he always discussed he wanted. I understand that life priorities change, but I feel that sometimes when life throws a wrench in the gears some people can't see how to get around the rock in their path so they don't try to solve the problem and they just take a different path altogether. They might not doubt their decisions, but I wonder if they wish they had tried or are emotionally unable. Another friend of mine was an average student and not from a decent home background. She should have ended up working a dead end job if she followed her family history. However she told every educational path at her disposal, worked several part time jobs in college, and worked at some low income districts. She worked her way up to a nice country district and has been there for 10 years. She owns her own home, her own car, and is debt free. Her hard work and commitment is what pushed her to be successful!
ReplyDelete2. Yes, I had someone talk me down to the point where I questioned why I ever pursued my dream. They said that I would never amount to anything and that if would just quit and go kill myself then the world would be better off without me. Since this person had been an authority figure who I had trusted for awhile I took their judgement as if it were gospel. I let many aspects of my life get away from me, resorted to self destructive behavior, and wondered if the world would indeed be better off without me. It took me several years to regain confidence in myself. It also took me years to realize that they weren't even truly judging my potential the problem was what was residing in their own heart and their own insecurities.
3. If I chose to treat my students differently based on only my initial judgements or even those of others I would never have discovered all the wonderful talents and all the ways they have grown in the last several months. I try to focus on their strengths and build them up regarding those areas. I have found that if I am consistently praising them in an area of their strength then sometimes their areas of weakness improve. Even if they don't imrove noticeably then I have something to stay positive about them so I become less frustrated and patient towards thus helping them stay positive.
Sometimes showing interest in some of their non-academic talents helps grow their confidence in academic areas.
Delete1. When I think of people that I know, it seems that personality has a lot to do with how far they will push themselves to be "successful". My friends, who are shy, have gotten their college degrees and stayed with the first job they got. They may have moved into a higher position than where they started, but they haven't pushed themselves to chase "success". On the other hand, Marty has a friend who served in the Navy and has no college education. He is an outgoing person,and everything he tries "turns to gold".
ReplyDelete2. The only thing that comes to mind was when I tried out for the basketball team in 7th grade. I had only played on the playground, never on a team. So of course I didn't make the team. I did play organized softball, and when it came to high school softball, I really wanted to play. But thanks to not making the basketball team and my shyness, I didn't. My P.E. coach, who was also the softball coach, saw me play and said I should go out for the team. I didn't, and it is one of my biggest regrets.
3. I think we have a responsibility to have a growth mindset regarding our students. All students can learn. All people can change. Our students have their whole lives ahead of them, and it is up to us not to put limits on their potentials. It's our job to encourage them to work hard and persevere. In the past, I've seen teachers (who no longer teach at PHES) jump on certain kids every time they got a chance. The kids could be minding their own business, doing nothing wrong, but these teachers would find something negative to say to them in a hateful way. These teachers had a fixed mindset about these kids. They saw them as troublemakers, and refused to acknowledge the kids' efforts to do better.
I know what you mean about teachers assuming the worst in students. I have worked with some teachers that don't even seem like they like children. It is sometimes difficult when a student has a bad reputation, I always try to remember people that act the most unloving are the ones that need love the most.
DeleteThere are many different definitions of success. When I first read the post I thought about success as it pertains to one’s career and material wealth, but I know people that aren’t necessarily wealthy or have great careers that I consider very successful. I think success or failure, however you define it, begins with a person’s attitude. People I consider successful have common traits such as a positive attitude. People that are successful view problems as challenges, part of life, and growing opportunities. They try to find purpose and meaning in life challenges. People with a growth mindset also have perseverance.
ReplyDeleteI have trusted others negative evaluations of me, but never for very long. I think when others negatively evaluate me or someone else it’s usually based on a miniscule part of that person’s life. As a teacher I could easily let a student’s test grade negatively affect my opinion of their learning potential, especially teaching children with various learning disabilities.
I think that a fixed mindset about students could affect how I teach in a variety of ways, the most obvious being that I probably wouldn’t challenge the student enough. I probably wouldn’t challenge myself enough. I would probably be a pretty poor teacher if I had the “it’s no use, why try attitude.”
1. I had a lot of trouble with this. I can only think of students. I had a student who talked all the time about how smart they were. She said she was amazing at math especially. As we know, math is conceptual and it builds on previous skills. She was soon behind because you can’t do well in math without paying attention and giving effort. She was very intelligent, but she thought she could do well without listening or trying hard. I will contrast that with my current student who never takes for granted that she already knows anything. She asks many clarification questions, and she strives for deep understanding. These two students are remarkably similar in intelligence, but had vastly different results on their grade cards.
ReplyDelete2. My first year in KC was pretty brutal. I had a tough class of 24 multi-ethnic urban fourth graders. My principal had a “tough love” approach. She basically asked me if I really thought I should be a teacher. There was a lot unsaid there. I took a few years to get over that, but I did finally come around to the idea that, yes, I did want to be a teacher, just not there!!
3. Well, the bottom line is that we will give up quicker when explaining things to kids who have low test scores or IQs unless we consciously guard against it. I think it is about changing strategies often vs. watering down the material. You can teach the same thing multiple times instead of dumbing it down.