At the very beginning of the school year, I introduce growth mindset vs fixed mindsets to my new class. A growth mindset has the idea of "not mastering something yet." The language sounds like, I haven't been able to do this skill YET, but I will keep practice and working towards it. A fixed mindset is the idea that we are set in our ways and unable to change or improve a certain skill. We brainstorm examples of growth mindset language and situations in our lives in which we may have had a fixed mindset and gave up. Through the school year we often refer to this during times of challenge or struggle. I model a growth mindset daily, even through difficulties in my own life. I am very forward with my students about my life and how mindsets are everything.
Mindsets in the professional and academic world are important because they outline the ways in which we set ourselves up to be professionals and learners. Mindsets of importance include flexibility, adaptability, willingness to be open-minded, taking risks and learning from mistakes. Exploring, creating and sharing knowledge and ideas with others. Persevering and taking time to push yourself and know that successful transfer of knowledge comes with time and practice.
It is also important to know that not everyone shares the same mindset about certain things, especially pertaining to technology. It can be difficult but it is important to keep an open mind and know that it is not easy to integrate technology all the time and it is often a learning experience. Staying curious is important as technology is ever-evolving and we live in a constantly changing world that keeps us on our toes. Staying curious allows for the learning of new information and technologies to be fun and a process that is low-risk and high reward. Keeping these open mindsets is important as an educator and a learner who is consistently looking for ways to learn and better understanding of topics.
As a recent graduate and one of the newer teachers at my school, I am often the "go-to" person for technology questions or wonderings from my colleagues. They often mention how "good I am" with technology. I often laugh and help them with the issue of concern. I have grown up in a time where digital interface has become the norm. I am able to quickly adapt to technological difficulties or learn something on the fly. It is important for us to reflect on the digital literacy that our peers and colleagues have and take the time to ensure we are helping to increase their confidence in their digital literacy. An open mind set and a flexible way of thinking are essential when surrounding ourselves with educational technology in the professional context.
Sources:
What works and why? Student perceptions of ‘useful’ digital technology in university teaching and learning (Henderson, Selwyn, & Aston, 2015).
Supporting A Creatively Focused Technology Fluent Mindset Among Educators: A Five-Year Inquiry Into Teachers’ Confidence With Technology (Henriksen, Mehta, & Rosenberg, 2019).
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