Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset
This year, most of my professional development has been on the idea of fixed mindset vs. growth mindset. "Fixed" sounds as the word implies. This notion is the one with we are comfortable and use as our motivation in our daily lives. We guide ourselves on how other's perceive us and turn that perception into our own truth. If I am "smart," everything I do is smart. There is something wrong with the rest of the world if my results do not support my "smartness." Growth mindset accepts failure and reflects on the next steps after failure. Effort means something. As an educator, my question is always how to turn my students into life-long learners.
Depth of Knowledge
How do you think harder? Do you stare at a page longer? How do I know that I'm having deep thoughts? This year we will be examining the depth of knowledge for our tasks. Will the assignment ask for basic recall, use a formula, synthesize multiple pieces, or create something new?