Growth Mindset Revisited

Upon beginning this course (EDLD 5313: Creating Significant Learning Environments), it was easy to just think of a learning environment as a traditional physical classroom.  After diving into the course, I have come to realize that it is much more than just a physical classroom. To view my thoughts on the importance of creating significant learning environments (CSLE), you can check out my post here.  This post discusses the importance of CSLE and how my music program will be able to build a collective community increasing participation, motivation and a sense of lifelong learning while building 21st century skills.  

After reading the book A New Culture of Learning, I learned more about the different philosophies and what kind of teacher I am.  It also helped me to realize what kind of learner I am as well. While developing my learning philosophy, I came to realize that I relate more to constructivism. This focuses on discovery and self learning, not just rote memorization of facts, with the teacher acting more as a facilitator through the learning process.  Following my learning philosophy, I began planning using Fink’s 3 column table. This planning model is great for seeing the overall picture of a unit or long-term project. From there, I moved on to the Understanding by Design planning model. This is a great model that is extremely detailed and similar to what I currently use when lesson planning.  When using this model, it helps to keep you more on task and focused on exactly what your students will be learning and doing.

As I’m finishing up the course, the final assignment is to revisit our growth mindset plan from the very beginning of the program.  While looking back at my first attempt, I think it still holds true to what I want to focus on. I feel like I haven’t gotten a huge chance to try to use it with my students yet.  While I try to keep a positive learning environment, I really haven’t truly incorporated the growth mindset into my classroom yet so I’m glad for the revisit to bring it back to my attention.  Sometimes I think we fall back into the normal pattern of events and forget what else we want to try when things get busy. I still feel like I have a growth mindset for the most part with the occasional fixed mindset making a brief appearance.  When thinking about it, I think at some point everyone probably has this problem as well. I’m looking forward to my growth mindset plan as I’m sure it will continue to evolve, especially once I really begin to use it more in the new year. I believe once I’m able to begin truly implementing my innovation plan (after construction finishes), it will help to focus on the learning and CSLE.  It will help keep me focused on the needs of my students throughout their education and allow them to make meaningful connections.