As I have learned about the types of mindset people can have I have discovered that it takes time and perseverance to change one’s own mindset. As I was developing my Growth Mindset Plan I learned how much of a Fixed Mindset I actually had about my own learning. It came as a shock to me because as an educator I try to instill in my students that learning new things is a process that keeps growing and developing. This has made me reflect more on my own mindset and how to best cultivate more of a Growth Mindset. One thing I have learned is that I need to take more chances in my projects and not be so critical of myself. A couple of weeks ago I created a Pear Deck for a faculty meeting in which I presented about inclusion in the general education classroom, the process was quite difficult as I did not want to offend a group and wanted to give pertinent information too. The choice of the platform was difficult as well, but I finally jumped in and created an interactive presentation. I felt a sense of accomplishment that I was able to reach outside of the box to create the presentation, which went well and has led to more discussions about inclusion and what it should look like. In my pursuit to develop my Growth Mindset I have sought out new reading materials. I am not one that reads a lot of theoretical, professional books because I get lost in the technical jargon. However, I have developed a strong interest in seeking out new ways to grow as a future leader in the technology realm of education. I am excited to dive into two new books, which one is about students owning their learning and the other is about a new mindset. I feel that these books will help me break out new ideas in how I present information to my students as well as my colleagues. I have begun to give my students more freedom to choose how they present their learning, which has had its bumps but I can see the benefits it has had for my students. We recently worked on research projects in which I let the students choose their own topic. This created a buzz of excitement in the air and they could not wait to learn more. I saw the benefits right away, as the students could not wait to create their questions and then find the answers. I also let the students choose how they would present their learning. They were able to choose from creating a brochure, flip-book or diorama. I was surprised by the diversity of their choices. The projects came out great and the students had a great learning experience. I did as well. It is a difficult process for second graders to create the right type of questions to find answers to, as well as looking up the information. This process is one that the students will continue to develop. One main lesson that I tried to instill in them is that they cannot believe everything they find on the Internet. They need to look for sites that are factual sites and not sites created based on someone’s opinions. This was eye opening for them and I hope it carries on through their development as learners. As a future leader in educational technology I plan on using the Growth Mindset to help other educators develop a Growth Mindset towards technology. Technology can be intimidating for people, even young adults and students who have grown up with it. One difference from young adults and students and older generations when it comes to technology is that the younger generations have a mindset about technology that enables them to grow and adapt with the changes, where older generations struggle with developing a growth mindset about technology. I want to lead professional developments that will instill and encourage my colleagues to challenge themselves in their technology use. I want them to understand that it is ok to make mistakes with technology and that it is not as scary as it seems. I want them also to know that technology is about taking chances and learning from them. As educators we are preparing our students for a future that we cannot even fathom, so we need to develop the skills of a growth mindset to model a new way of approaching learning and how we grow as an individual.
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I hold the life of my ePortfolio in my hands. I make the choices on whether or not it becomes a lost page in the vast jungle of the Internet. I choose to help my ePortfolio grow as I grow as a future leader in education and educational technology. I have enjoyed watching it develop into its current state and I cannot wait to see how it will continue to grow. My ePortfolio is a way to show my growth, so if it stops growing than I may have to question have I stopped growing. If I stop growing than there are deeper questions to answer because an educator should never stop growing and learning. I also feel that through my ePortfolio I will be able to help colleagues continue to grow in their learning. I want to be able to use my ePortfolio as a platform from change in thoughts, perceptions and understandings about technology in the classroom. I want my co-workers and others to find resources through the sharing of my learning. An ePortfolio in the right hands has the potential to change many mindsets.
This past week of school was full of excitement!! I decided I wanted my students to participate in a "book tasting" to determine their next book they would read in reading groups. I also changed the format of Language Arts block, so that my students were going to five 20-minute stations instead of having one whole group lesson. As Monday started I was prepared for the changes to the Language Arts time but not quite ready for the "book tasting," so I decided to do that on Tuesday morning.
The new station rotation went GREAT!! I loved the small group lessons that my assistant and I were able to have with every group of students. I feel they were listening more than if it was whole group. I loved taking a glimpse at the other stations and watching the groups work together on their lessons. It was collaboration in action!! I have used stations for years but it was one station a day kind of thing. I was always worried about having something for them to do each day in every station. I am excited to say that I took a leap of faith and I am so glad I did. The students did an amazing job and they were excited about the change. I also learned that if we miss a day because of other events it doesn't throw things off schedule; it just moves the lessons to the next day. Tuesday morning I was as busy as a bee making sure everything was just right for the students' "book tasting." I was so excited and I hoped the students would enjoy getting to choose their books for their reading groups. Once the students and I were back in class I gathered them on the carpet to give them their instructions for the "tasting." Little did I know that there was something a buzz outside of my room. So, I dismissed my students to the tables where the books were and I turned to see my Principal, the Superintendent and many other administrators coming into my room. I was still reeling from excitement and preparation for the "book tasting," that I wasn't quite sure what was going on until my Principal said, "Congratulations, you are SSE's Teacher of the Year!!" I was floored!! There were many thoughts that were running through my mind. One main thought was what an honor to be chosen out of so many wonderful teachers on my campus. Once the excitement settled I was able to get back to the "book tasting," which had continued without me with the help of my assistant, ESL teacher and her assistant. I appreciate and am thankful for all of their support. The rest of the day was a world-wind of excitement, emotions and realization of the responsibility of this honor, which I am humbled to now hold. I am still in shock about being chosen as my campus' teacher of the year! I have the honor of working amongst and with some of the best educators in public education, so to be chosen as teacher of the year for my campus is an extremely humbling experience. As a teacher, the efforts we make are not so that we can receive a reward, but for the betterment of our students. To be acknowledge for those efforts truly fills my heart. This recognition has given me a sense of responsibility to be the best representative of our profession in the community and beyond. So, yesterday I decided to go to the bookstore to pick up a book that caught my attention a few weeks ago. It is called, Never Work harder that Your Students. When I got to the store I went straight to the section that I knew it would be in because I am a shopper with a purpose...usually. I normally go into a store for a specific item, find it and leave. Well, yesterday I browsed the section for several minutes and could not find the book. So I began looking at other books. I found two that intrigued me as well. One is by an author I referenced to in my last post, Alan November. I found it ironic or fate that I watched his video just a few days ago and now I have stumbled onto his book, Who Owns the Learning?. I then found another book that a classmate of mine mentioned in discussion boards last class, it is called The Innovator's Mindset. I decided that I've learned about the growth mindset it is now time for me to learn about the innovator's mindset. I did eventually find the original book I was looking for but decided to forgo it right now for my two new finds. It should also be known that I am not one that likes to read technical books about my profession. However, when I find something that intrigues me I can't wait to dive in. As I looked at the books and read the summaries I thought about how I could share what I learn from them with my colleagues at school and here on my ePortfolio, this also excited me. I then went on to find a new chapter book to read to my second graders. I searched and searched. I finally found one that a co-worker recommended. I grabbed it and decided to leave. Then I was drawn in by another title. I stopped and read the summary and was hooked. The book is about a girl who cannot talk, walk or write but is very intelligent but no one knows. This grabbed my attention because I will be leading a staff meeting this coming Monday on inclusion in the general education classroom. No, I do not teach special education but I work closely with the special education teacher and have shared many students with them through the years. This book also grabbed me because it reminds me of students that I have had, have and may have in the future. It is a work of fiction but there are times where there are bits of truth and lessons to be learned from fiction stories. I am unsure if I will be reading this to my second graders. I have a feeling that this book was meant for me at this time. I do see me leading a book study for teachers with the book in the future. The book is called, Out of My Mind. As I begin reading these books I will share what I learn along the way.
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AuthorI am an educator, nature lover, sea turtle conservationist and dog mom. Archives
July 2017
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