Growth Mindset Plan

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Dear Educators,

In education, it seems like every new school year there is a new instructional method involving technology. We are asked to help our students become 21st-Century Learners because they must have skills that prepare them for the real world. Some technology is in the form of apps and software that can enrich instruction and others are for basic uses. Daily learning management systems are used to carry out instruction, grading systems are used for attendance, grading, and parent contact, while others are used for assessments and data.  Technology is everywhere, it has evolved, and so can you.

The challenge with new methods is that you must know your content, know how to apply the content when creating lessons, and knowing how to execute the lessons. This can be overwhelming, but you are very capable of being proficient with technology and become an exceptional educator.

Your brain is an amazing tool and is ready to work for you. In fact, sections of the brain provide various functions and have networks that strengthen when you are thinking critically. You will not build all those neurological connections if you do not challenge yourself. If you don't take risks, you definitely will not use your brain to its full potential.

Treat yourself like you have "yet" to become your true intellectual self and embrace the challenges you face using technology for learning. When your students are failing or on the brink of failure, there is a power in telling your students that they have "yet" to become a genius or have not figured things out "yet". It tells them "I see you struggling, but you have everything it takes to excel. It is only a matter of effort before you get there.".

This mindset is part of what you would call a growth mindset, because you acknowledge the potential to grow and learn. It is beneficial to transform your beliefs, because your life is not without problems and you must work through them. You will see that effectively using technology is something you can do will help you produce 21st-Century skills.

There are two types of ways to view learning, challenges, or even life. You can have a Fixed or Growth mindset. You are dominantly more of one than you are of the other. Some people have both fixed mindset and a growth mindset or even little of both- given a particular situation. A fixed mindset, in regard to integrating new technology, would be when someone would say "I have been successfully teaching this way for a long time and there is no need to change my instructional style. Besides, I've never been good with technology." A person with a growth mindset would approach it with a different attitude: "This may be something new, but my kids may benefit from it. I am afraid that I will fail, but my students must learn to develop skills, too. I can learn it if I try."

Acknowledge the fears you feel in your fixed mindset so that you may correct them and transition into a growth mindset.  Your mindset is everything. You have "yet" to become the best educator who embraces technology and your students have "yet" to become 21st-Century Learners.

Sincerely,

Jessica Casillas

Science Instructional Trainer