posted by: Pauline Stephen, Head of Schools & Learning
Many of our schools in Angus are thinking about growth mindset ideas with their children, young people and staff. Carol Dweck’s work has been very influential in helping schools ensure that the type of praise that they give children and young people is as effective as it can be. Some of our schools are linking this to other work such as the Learning Pit (James Nottingham) and GRIT (get really into trying, http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit ) .
Strategically in Angus we have prioritised four areas of learning focus:
- Growth mindset
- Language of learning
- Feedback and progression
- Teachers as evaluators
We see most success in applying growth mindset thinking where teachers and other staff effectively model a growth mindset. We are supporting our learners to value effort, demonstrate resilience and value mistakes as learning opportunities. Learning about brain development has also enhanced understanding about using a growth mindset approach.
Rosemount School
I have heard some people argue that growth mindset is not a ‘thing’ that you do, instead it is a way of thinking and being. However when schools start to look at an idea or a theory, there is often a need to drive it somehow as an improvement initiative. I am enjoying seeing different Angus schools approaches to introducing and developing growth mindset thinking with learners. These steps from Ferryden School are fabulous!
Ferryden School
We are in the process of shaping up our programme for our Angus Learning Festival during the November in-service days. There will be an opportunity to share and learn from each other around our four learning themes. So what can you offer to support in terms of growth mindset? You might not be quite ready to share…yet but where might you be by November? #knowthyimpact
