Growth mindset newsletter 01

Volume 1, No. 1

4 August 2014

OAKLEIGH’S GROWTH MINDSET

Welcome

This, the first newsletter devoted to the growth mindset at Oakleigh State School is for all staff. It is being distributed for two main reasons. The first is all to do with my Masters research, which seeks to understand how to lead for a growth mindset, particularly in this age of accountability. The second, and, for you, what should be the most pertinent reason, is that the growth mindset could be the very thing that will, in time, make a big difference. Let me make something very clear: the growth mindset is not the answer to all issues that arise in schools. If I ever start to sound like that it is, please question me vigourously.

This chart is an overview of the topics that this newsletter will cover in the coming weeks.

I want this newsletter to become very, very useful for you. To do this, I intend to include tips and techniques for embracing a growth mindset, both for yourself, and in your students. And, you know that there’s no reason why you can’t apply it at home. Recently I’ve spent lots of time Oakleigh’s Growth Mindset

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Volume 1, No. 1

4 August 2014

wondering what I would have done differently as a father had I known then what I know now.

Additionally I am planning sections such as:

• A questions and answers section, which means I invite you to ask about how the growth mindset might apply in a particular situation.

• The growth mindset in the classroom—ideas about what to look for and what to say to get the most from student engagement in their learning.

Check out ‘Life at 9’ on iView—see Oakleigh’s Facebook page for the details and see the classic feedback experiment.

• The growth mindset and TOPS—an exploration of the messages in the TOPS chapters that align with the growth mindset.

NICOLA FLANAGAN

• Tips / techniques / conversations / self-talk—another chance to hear your views and ideas and stories about the growth mindset in action.

I hope there’s something here for everyone.

A fixed mindset is often manifested in a need to delight in others being worse than you.

Recognising Fixed Mindset Actions The person with a fixed mindset has one rule: Don’t look dumb.

Scott Adams can make a cartoon out of it, but the humour masks an undesirable reality. This reality limits friendships, can be a factor in bullying and is many times the reason for students, and adults, to shy away from challenges.

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It happens. People with a fixed mindset do seek out others who they believe are worse at something than them, whether this is on the sporting field, in the classroom, or even the way they look or act. It makes them feel not so bad when there are others who are not as good. They bully because the victim is worse off than them.

Oakleigh’s Growth Mindset

Next Week: WHY ‘WORK HARDER’ IS NOT A STRATEGY ANYONE CAN IMPROVE YOUR QUESTIONS?

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