Good introduction to the concepts. Anyone else read the different mindsets and wonder which one they were? I would like to think I have a growth mindset but something tells me there some fixed mindset inside of me too. Looking forward to the rest of the book though. It was recently highlighted in Sports Illustrated.
I used to be very much a fixed mindset: people were either smart or not, etc. Coaching, especially in places with no tradition of success made me adopt a growth mindset even before I know what it was. For years I have absolutely believed that athletes can grow and develop, they are not just athletic or not. It took me longer to fully think that way in the classroom, but I hope that I have an almost completely growth mindset in this area as well. Mr. Troutman, what do you think?
Brian, I asked myself the same question of whether I am a fixed or growth mindset. I suppose I'm elements of both. If all of us are fixed in a manner of speaking is it in part a product of our educational experience as kids?
I'm curious how both fixed and growth mindsets fit into the classrooms of today--especially in terms of the fact that it's almost impossible for a student to fail a class. Failure provides an opportunity to grow from the experience. This seems to be what the growth mindset is all about. But when there is no such thing as failure anymore the lesson (or teachable moment) is erased--so where is the growth?
Reading parts of the description of the fixed mindset it almost dismisses the concept of "fear of failure" as a negative construct. Maybe that is the problem today. There is no fear of failure--hence no sense of urgency.
I get the idea of putting a positive spin on setbacks. The issue is when there is no consequence for continual failure what is the real lesson in that scenario?
My other question is shouldn't the students be reading this instead of just us?
It's becoming painfully obvious as I read this, that I have a fixed mindset. I know it surprises all of you to read that. The fixed mindset provides security and comfort. Having a growth mindset seems to require a sense of openness and adventure I don't possess at this moment. No one wishes they possess those qualities more than me but the risk seems too great. Every summer I analyze my life up to this point. I look at my career and analyze the things I have done, continue to do, and would still like to do. Unfortunately those unfulfilled things are too risky to go for them at this point. Is that apprehension a result of my fixed mindset, fear, or comfort?
I like the examples the author draws upon. Few books can bring together Morton Downey Jr, John McEnroe, & John Wooden!
When I was young, I certainly had a fixed mindset and I think our education system was set up that way. The "smart" kids got praise and reward and the "not-so-smart" were essentially bullied by teachers for not being smart. I hope we have moved beyond that, but I am afraid there are still large remnants of the fixed mindset still with us.
I would have to admit that in certain aspects of my life I know I have a "fixed" mindset, but in other areas I am more of an optimist and fall into the "growth" mindset. I have noticed this with students. If they believe they are good at a certain subject it makes a world of difference compared to if they have negative perceptions about their talents.
I saw this video and I thought it was very applicable to our growth mindset goals. Also, since Dumb and Dumberer 2 came out this weekend...He is the master of optimism!
Good introduction to the concepts. Anyone else read the different mindsets and wonder which one they were? I would like to think I have a growth mindset but something tells me there some fixed mindset inside of me too. Looking forward to the rest of the book though. It was recently highlighted in Sports Illustrated.
ReplyDeleteI used to be very much a fixed mindset: people were either smart or not, etc. Coaching, especially in places with no tradition of success made me adopt a growth mindset even before I know what it was. For years I have absolutely believed that athletes can grow and develop, they are not just athletic or not. It took me longer to fully think that way in the classroom, but I hope that I have an almost completely growth mindset in this area as well. Mr. Troutman, what do you think?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSecond try.
ReplyDeleteBrian, I asked myself the same question of whether I am a fixed or growth mindset. I suppose I'm elements of both. If all of us are fixed in a manner of speaking is it in part a product of our educational experience as kids?
I'm curious how both fixed and growth mindsets fit into the classrooms of today--especially in terms of the fact that it's almost impossible for a student to fail a class. Failure provides an opportunity to grow from the experience. This seems to be what the growth mindset is all about. But when there is no such thing as failure anymore the lesson (or teachable moment) is erased--so where is the growth?
Reading parts of the description of the fixed mindset it almost dismisses the concept of "fear of failure" as a negative construct. Maybe that is the problem today. There is no fear of failure--hence no sense of urgency.
I get the idea of putting a positive spin on setbacks. The issue is when there is no consequence for continual failure what is the real lesson in that scenario?
My other question is shouldn't the students be reading this instead of just us?
It's becoming painfully obvious as I read this, that I have a fixed mindset. I know it surprises all of you to read that. The fixed mindset provides security and comfort. Having a growth mindset seems to require a sense of openness and adventure I don't possess at this moment. No one wishes they possess those qualities more than me but the risk seems too great. Every summer I analyze my life up to this point. I look at my career and analyze the things I have done, continue to do, and would still like to do. Unfortunately those unfulfilled things are too risky to go for them at this point. Is that apprehension a result of my fixed mindset, fear, or comfort?
ReplyDeleteI like the examples the author draws upon. Few books can bring together Morton Downey Jr, John McEnroe, & John Wooden!
When I was young, I certainly had a fixed mindset and I think our education system was set up that way. The "smart" kids got praise and reward and the "not-so-smart" were essentially bullied by teachers for not being smart. I hope we have moved beyond that, but I am afraid there are still large remnants of the fixed mindset still with us.
ReplyDeleteSounds great. Wish I could have been there. Can't wait to talk about chapter 2
ReplyDeleteI would have to admit that in certain aspects of my life I know I have a "fixed" mindset, but in other areas I am more of an optimist and fall into the "growth" mindset. I have noticed this with students. If they believe they are good at a certain subject it makes a world of difference compared to if they have negative perceptions about their talents.
ReplyDeleteI saw this video and I thought it was very applicable to our growth mindset goals. Also, since Dumb and Dumberer 2 came out this weekend...He is the master of optimism!
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqdNe8u-Jsg