Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Writing and Reflecting on Mindset

Any journey through examining one's "mindset" would benefit from some writing (in this English's teacher's opinion). After reading Dweck's book, Mindset, I brainstormed some writing prompts to use with a group of students or adults.


I think that with the things Jessica is posting and some things I have, we will soon have a pretty good unit going. Wouldn't it be cool to create a Freshman class unit that was a partner ship with English and Science to learn about the brain, mindsets, neurons, nutrition, and motivation? In ten 30-minute lessons we could really set up our ninth graders for success at their new school.
This summer I would like to find a general science teacher to plan with...any out there?

Here are the journals I was refering to:

Possible PLC work or Classroom work
Journaling:
1. If you were (are chronically) late to class or a job (this week, today) what specific steps can you make to be sure this doesn’t happen again?

2. If you have been trying to be healthier (in eating habits or exercise) what specific steps can you take to get closer to your goal?

3. What is some task that you just have not “gotten to”? Write a specific plan including the day and preceding moments for addressing and completing this task.

4. What is a dream or a new hobby that you would like to undertake/fulfill? Write a plan….

5. Are you living up to your potential? (after journaling is over, ask writers to respond to this question: read over your response. Which mind-set did you respond in?)

6. Is there something in your past that you think measured you? A test score? A dishonest or callous action? being rejected or being fired from a job? Focus on that thing – what was it? Now examine it from a growth perspective. Look honestly at your role in it, but ask, what did I (or can I) learn from that experience? How can I use it as a basis for growth?

7. Are you in a fixed-mindset or a growth-mindset at work/school? Do you feel people are judging you or trying to help you develop? Start with yourself, are there ways you could be less defensive about your mistakes? Could you profit more from the feedback you get? Are there ways you can create more learning experiences for yourself?

8. Are you a fixed mindset or growth mindset coach? What comes first for you as a coach (winning and reputation or the team’s development)? Do you try to motivate with judgment? What would a growth-minded coach do to motivate?

Write about EACH one:
This would be one lesson the first week of school. I would use it to train my students how to "pair up" in my class (I have appointment calendars). I would have them interview a different partner for each question (and answer it too). The 6th question they would write to alone at their desk after those five conversations. (50 minutes)

1. If you could play any instrument, what would it be and why? Why have you never learned to play?
2. If you could be good at any sport what would it be and why? Why have you not learned it up until now?
3. If you could go back and change your college major, what would you change it to? Why?
4. What have you always wanted to learn to do, but never have?
5. What is one new technology that you would add to your life if cost were not an issue?
6. Now, select one of these five things. Can you commit to one of them? How? OR Why not?

No comments:

Post a Comment