7/7/2019
Implementing technology into my elementary music classroom is an ongoing goal I have. An even bigger goal entwined within that is to find relevant resources that students will be engaged and learn music in a more unique way in order to show kids that music is truly for everyone. Much of the current mentality that I deal with is the “it’s too hard,” “I can’t do it,” “I don’t want to do anything,” and “I hate everything.” Most times, it is not just within my classroom, but other teachers throughout the building deal with this same problem as well – those in the fixed mindset.
Overall, I believe I am a mix of both growth and fixed mindsets. I lean more toward the growth mindset; however, I do find myself getting discouraged more often especially when others constantly complain about things. I think this point has set me back a bit in achieving my goal. Whether it is the students constantly complaining or other teachers, it becomes draining and hard to remain motivated and positive that they will get it. As for building up a resistance to failure, I’m not sure anyone truly does. Failure is part of growing and learning from mistakes. You can fail and not attempt it again because you feel you can’t do it (fixed mindset) or you can fail and keep trying to better yourself (growth mindset).
Resources are key to growing into a lifelong learner. Constant professional development helps to find new resources to use to develop skills. Videos, podcasts, and websites are great resources that will help give examples. Staying aware of which mindset you are in helps to keep oneself out of a false growth mindset. Putting forth the effort to learn something is key for a student’s growth mindset, but teachers need to not focus entirely on praising that effort over the student’s progress. Teachers should give meaningful work, helpful feedback, different strategies to learn the material and opportunities to revise their work. We also need to be careful of our responses when encouraging students. The way we respond can help or hinder a student’s mindset.
When it comes to learning and pursuing life goals, for myself, I believe the why is most important. Since it deals with getting engaged and motivated, that would be of most importance. If I am not motivated or engaged in a goal, I won’t be challenged to complete it. If the goal is not of interest to me, it also will not get accomplished. If I am motivated and challenged with the why, then it will make me want to learn through doing the what or the how in order to gather facts or solve problems. When beginning piano lessons (years and years ago), had I not had the teacher I began with, I may not have stuck with it. She knew and taught various styles including Classical pieces. She always made sure to allow her students to include songs that they wanted to learn, no matter what song it was (COVA learning model). That trait was instilled within me from 3rd grade on and I still allow my students to choose a song they would like to learn. If it is within the school day, they obviously must be an appropriate song for school, especially if it is to be sung. When students feel they have a voice in what they can learn, it helps motivate them to learn.
Image retrieved from https://www.eschoolnews.com/2018/10/23/5-tips-for-nurturing-a-growth-mindset/