ED magazine

2019

The Successful Student

“Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to change
the world.”

- Nelson Mandela

Lauren Cady
Brother Marshall
BYU-Idaho

Ed 243-05
Current Teaching Trends

Lauren Cady
April 1st, 2019
Brother David Marshall
Brigham Young University- Idaho

Table of Contents

Author Page…………………………………………………… Pg. 4
Abstract………………………………………………………...Pg. 5
“Learning to Adopt a Powerful Mind” ………………………. Pg. 6
References………………………………………………………Pg. 9
Advertisement…………………………………………………. Pg. 10
Interview………………………………………………………. Pg. 11

About the Author

Lauren Cady

Lauren Cady is a second-year elementary education
major at Brigham Young University- Idaho, minoring in
history. She resides in Rexburg, Idaho with her husband,
going to school full time. She is originally from Grand
Junction, Colorado and loves animals and being outdoors,
going on fun adventures with her family and friends. She has
had many teaching opportunities through different programs
throughout high school and college and loves working with
her students. One of her favorite things in the whole world is
learning and teaching new things, especially when they
spark curiosity and creativity. She believes in thinking
outside the box and engaging in hands on activities to bring
students closer to a thorough understanding of the subjects
they are studying. She would want to integrate many forms
of teaching to keep students entertained and learning while
still having fun within the classroom. She believes that there
is fun in education and wants to utilize that to the best of her
abilities while still showing the importance of information.
She wants to help students find their passions in life through
art, science, math, history, and other core and
extracurricular subjects. She wants students to realize the
importance of material in everyday life and wants to
reinforce that in her lessons. Her goal is too mold students
into productive members of society and teach valuable skills
that can become building blocks as they move their way
through their education. Her primary focus besides
teaching material, is teaching students to give back to the
community around them. She believes that education is
power and through that power, students big or small, can
change the world for the better. She believes in the future
and encourages students to believe in themselves so they
can follow their dreams and reach their goals.

Word Count: 300

Abstract: The human mind is a powerful thing. Through recent
studies and evaluations, psychologists and educational
researchers have been able to come up with something called
a “growth mindset”. Based on these studies, teachers have
integrated the teachings of having a growth mindset in the
classroom, helping kids reach their full potential and
ultimately life long success. This teaching strategy has been
used in multiple classrooms to help students set and reach
goals. It helps students learn from their mistakes rather than
teach perfection. It gives students a sense of self and sense of
accomplish after trying new things outside of their comfort
zone. Teachers who teach the idea of growth mindset end up
having happier and more successful classrooms. Teaching
young students the importance of having a growth mindset
sets them up for good life long habits of growth and learning.
The science behind having a growth mindset is all about self-
impression. You have to believe in yourself and recognize that
you can grow in order to do so. Many students tend to have a
fixed mindset, which is a mindset of perfection, no failure,
and no growth. In this article, it will discuss how important it
is to teach growth mindset young, before students have the
chance to develop a fixed mindset. In this article you will
learn teaching strategies that will help you, or your students,
develop a growth mindset and have the basic building blocks
they need to have a strong and powerful mind. You will learn
the background of having a growth mindset and how it was
discovered and more info on what it means to have a growth
mindset. You will see the differences between growth
mindsets and fixed mindsets and how to mold a fixed mindset
into a growth mindset. You will see experiment sand proof of
this teaching method and learn how to integrate it into your
own classroom.

Word Count: 316

Learning to Adopt developing those qualities you didn’t
have before. It’s about pushing yourself
a Powerful Mind to new things rather than developing a set
of preconceived qualities that anyone can
By: Lauren Cady have. Imagine what kind of classroom
you could create if you taught students
What is a Growth Mindset? how to develop a growth mindset and
utilize it in their lives. Many teachers
Lucy is an elementary school student. already have, making it a new and
She gets good grades, is happy, self- innovative way to teach students.
motivated, dreams of being a lawyer and
is an all-star student. Luke is a student in What Does It Mean to Have A
Lucy’s same exact class. He gets Mindset?
unsatisfactory grades, is disruptive, can’t
self-start and has no goals set in class Mindset is an idea that came from Carol
whatsoever. The difference between these Dweck through years of research on
two students is what scientists and achievement and success. To be summed
educational researchers call a “growth up a mindset is a simple idea that makes
mindset”. What is a growth mindset? A all the difference (Dweck, Mindset ,
growth mindset is actually exactly what it 2010). Mindsets are personal beliefs
sounds like. Carol Dweck, a Stanford about yourself and your qualities. When
psychologist wrote for the Harvard you think about your qualities, are they
Business Review, “Individuals who things set in stone or things you can
believe their talents can be developed change? That is the pure essence of a
(through hard work, good strategies, and mindset. When asked to think of someone
input from others) have a growth successful you may think of George
mindset” (Dweck, 2016). Although the Washington, Thomas Edison, or Michael
idea of goals and hard work goes back Jordan. One thing that these people had in
centuries, the practice of having a growth common was they saw they need to grow
mindset is a fairly recent study. When and develop themselves and took that
people begin to embrace having a growth opportunity. They developed a growth
mindset within companies, schools, and mindset and used that to their absolute
even families, the changes that occur in advantage by believing in themselves,
reality just by changing your mindset are seeing their potential, and going after
incredible. According to Dweck’s article their goals. A mindset can alter your life
she states that there are many in any direction you believe it will. By
misconceptions about having a growth teaching mindsets in the classroom, you
mindset. People tend to confuse a growth can instill drive in your students and
mindset with being open minded, passion, pushing them to do their best and
flexible, or positive, thinking that the achieve their highest goals. Mindsets are
traits they need to develop are traits they not things that are set in stone from the
already have. For some, a growth mindset minute you are born. They are created
may include these things but having a over time by your own design. It is
growth mindset is all about change and important to teach kids the importance of
having a growth mindset young so they
can build it overtime. It becomes the most
influential device in a person’s life.

What Is the Difference Between a leaves no room for failure. We need
Growth Mindset and A Fixed failure to grow and learn and make
Mindset? ourselves better. A growth mindset sees
failure as opportunity. It takes that chance
“One of the most basic beliefs we carry to learn and do better next time. It is open
about ourselves, has to do with how we to mistakes and growth and never shies
view and inhabit what we consider to be away from a new experience. Therefore,
our personality” (Popova, n.d.). A fixed those with a growth mindset tend to be
mindset is the thinking that our more successful. They don’t worry about
intelligence, talents, personality, and failure because they know they can make
other traits are things set in stone about something positive of it. This can be a
ourselves. Things that we were born with very healthy and effective way of
teaching in a classroom setting. When
and can’t change. Based on scientific students fail, the teacher who teaches
research we now know that that isn’t the growth mindset creates a safe space for
case. Reaching for perfection without opportunity. There is no shame in
making mistakes and avoiding any type failure, only room to grow. They use it in
of failure in an example of a fixed a way that motivates the student to keep
mindset. This is dangerous because it trying and not give up.

How To Develop a Growth

Mindset

Now that were aware of what a growth
mindset is, how do we develop one? One
technique is replacing your fixed
mindset words with growth mindset
words. Replace the word “failing” with
“learning”. Use the word “yet”; instead
of saying I haven’t reached my goal, say
I haven’t reached my goal yet. This
leaves room and time to still accomplish
what you want to accomplish. Another
thing to do is embrace and acknowledge
your imperfections. Not acknowledging
your weaknesses means you’ll never
overcome them. Try different learning
tactics. Get out of your comfort zone and
attempt to learn in new ways. This will
help you obtain more information and
“stretch” your mind, getting you out of
your comfort zone. One that is hard for
many but has amazing benefits is stop
seeking approval from others. This can be
hard because as humans we are so
ingrained to seek out other’s opinions of
us. Stop doing this. Focus on your

opinion and what matters to you. The last success, but you are molding their minds
one I want to discuss is make a new goal to accept challenges and growth which
for every goal accomplished. We cannot ultimately will bring success and
grow if we don’t make room to grow. happiness to your students and influence
Make room to set new goals and continue their minds in years to come.
your growth (Staff, 2018). Word Count: 1,209

Teaching Growth Mindset in The
Classroom

The feedback given to young students has
a big impact on their developing mindset.
While praise on intelligence like the
phrase “You’re so smart!” seems like
good feedback, research has shown that
this may have a negative impact on
student mindset. The following is a study
and result of this:

In a study with 5th graders, Dweck
and Mueller (two psychologists)
divided the children into two groups
and asked them to work on a puzzle
task. One group, after succeeding
initially, was praised for their
intelligence and ability. The other
group, also after succeeding, was
praised for their effort, rather than
innate intelligence. When the
initially easy task became harder, the
groups reacted in very different
ways. Students praised for
intelligence preferred to continue
working on the easier tasks, while
students praised for effort chose to
progress to more challenging tasks.
(MindsetWorks, 2017).

The feedback of effort and trying is what
influences students to continue trying and
growing as demonstrated in the study.
The best thing you can do for your
students when it comes to developing
their mindsets is congratulate them on
effort. By doing this you are not
condoning mistakes or applauding

References

Dweck, C. (2010). Mindset . Retrieved from What is a Mindset?:
https://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/themindsets/index.html

Dweck, C. (2016, January 13). What Having A "Growth Mindset" Actually Means . Retrieved from
Harvard Business Review : https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-
means

MindsetWorks. (2017). Teacher Practises: How Praise and Feedback Influences Student Outcomes.
Retrieved from MindsetWorks : https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/Teacher-Practices

Popova, M. (n.d.). Fixed Vs. Growth . Retrieved from Brain Pickings :
https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/29/carol-dweck-mindset/

Staff, T. T. (2018, September 21). 25 Simple Ways to Grow A Growth Mindset. Retrieved from
TeachThought: https://www.teachthought.com/learning/25-simple-ways-develop-growth-
mindset/

For the Forward- Specially
Thinking Student and Formatted for
Setting, Keeping
Teacher and Completing

“The Best Resource Goals
for People in

Education!” – Many
Teachers

Growth Mindset

Having and developing a growth mindset is a growth mindset is to always push yourself to

beneficial tool to help you make and achieve your limits in the areas that are that you want

goals in school and in life. This interview is to improve. You need to know your limits
and expand them little by little.”
done in a way that shows five different Larry: “You develop this through humility and a
desire to become better.”
perspectives based on education and stages of Marian: “I think you need to have a ‘safe’

life that show what a growth mindset means to environment to develop growth mindset.

them. Parents and teachers are the key to that. Kids

What does it mean to you, to have a who are stressed about mistakes or feel
“growth mindset”?
nervous about seeing new things may have
Hope Benson, fifth grader at Rim Rock
Elementary, Fruita CO: “It means you gain had an environment where making mistakes
more knowledge.”
was punished or discouraged. I think you
Ashley Martin, senior at Fruita Monument High
School, Fruita CO: “To me, growth mindset develop growth mindset by analyzing those
is wanting to learn and grow.”
mistakes to use next time. I think given the
Chris Cady, sophomore at Brigham Young
University- Idaho, Rexburg ID: “To me, a opportunities for creative explorations is part

growth mindset means to be forward too. When we have every second of our day
planned, I think that interferes with that.”
thinking. It means envisioning who you want
To you, what are the differences between
to become and then taking steps necessary to
get there.” a growth mindset and a fixed mindset?
Hope: “A growth mindset is when you are self
Larry Benson, father of three students, Fruita
CO: “Growth mindset means approaching confident and smart. A fixed mindset is when
you think you are terrible.”
every idea like you can gain something or Ashley: “A growth mindset you are more open
learn from it.”
to ideas and new ways of learning and trying
Marian Hayes, Fourth Grade Teacher at Lincoln
Elementary, Rexburg ID: “To me, a growth new things. A fixed mindset you are fixated

mindset is the ability to do several things. on that one thing to get done without having
Most importantly, it’s the ability to learn any input. It’s got to be done in one specific
way.”
something new instead of giving into anxiety Chris: “I think a fixed mindset can be interpreted
as a ‘go with the flow’ or ‘status quo’
when faced with newness or trouble. Also,
someone who doesn’t recognize they don’t paradigm. It means doing as little as possible
already know everything isn’t very growth
and avoiding growth. A growth mindset is
minded. It also means the ability to recognize
focused on doing hard things so that you can
that mistakes give us information to use for do hard things easier.”
learning instead of something to be feared.” Larry: “A fixed mindset means my mind is made
up and you won’t convince me, I won’t
How do you develop a growth mindset? listen. Growth mindset means I’m open and
Hope: “You believe in yourself.” willing to try to understand something new.”
Ashley: “Developing a growth mindset you are Marian: “A fixed mindset sees a mistake as bad,

determined to do your best and to keep the discomfort of something new as
learning.”
Chris: “The best way in my opinion to develop a something to be avoided, and pressure to

maintain perfection and that status quo at all

costs. A growth mindset encourages only the skills and memorization. So, if that
creativity and growth, ‘down dirty’ attempts,
divergent thinking, ect.” kind of thing is a weakness or if they ever

How do mindsets help or hinder students? can't meet and expectation, they spend a lot
Hope: “Mindsets can help us because it helps
of energy hiding it they give up early. They
you gain more knowledge and understand
confidence more.” don't believe in change. See life as
Ashley: “They help students by pushing them to
static. Growth mindset minded students have
do better and hinder them by not pushing
them out of their comfort zones.” more fun at school! They enjoy the activities
Chris: “Another word that I like to use for
mindset is the word ‘paradigm’. A paradigm and look at mistakes as a stepping stone to

essentially is the way we see the world. where they want to be. They often want to be

Imagine trying to get somewhere using a in a place that is different from

map, but the only map you have is others. They'll talk about their weaknesses
inaccurate. If you’re trying to grow yourself and work towards their goals.”
Do you have any ideas or things you’ve
but you have a fixed mindset, or the wrong
paradigm, you’re not going to go anywhere. seen that help you develop a growth

An accurate paradigm will help you mindset?
succeed.” Hope: “You can get a growth mindset by being
Larry: “A mindset would determine an
confident!”
individuals teachability. How receptive they Ashley: “Try new things every day, try new

are to something new and whether or not they ways of learning and be open to new ideas.’
see value in what’s being taught.” Chris: “For me, I like to determine my goal first
Marian: “Some kids are so concerned at not
and then develop my mindset around that. I
making a mistake or maintaining face that
think our goals should start out small and
they miss the learning presented. They will
simple so we can get into the habit of
copy neighbors or cheat to do that. They also
completing them. Then they should become
look to parents and teachers as the only more ambitious with time.”
Larry: “If someone can see a benefit to them to
source of information and want to regurgitate learn something, they’re more likely to learn.

the knowledge expected. They focus on That could be greater earning potential,

greater understanding, or affection for a
certain subject.”
Marian: “The best thing I've seen is a Youtube

video called "Girls first ski jump"! Also, the

classroom environment is key - The kids also

love it when the teacher tells about her

changes - how I was in fourth grade, my hard

subjects, penmanship, dirty desk etc. They

need to see that I'm still setting goals and

working on myself and learning new

things. Efforts to help anxious kids face

those fears rather than give into them and

avoid hard things. Encouraging parents to

recognize that learning means feeling

discomfort at times. Goal setting and self-

evaluations. And keeping other kids' out of

each others' business. Not competing or

comparing at all. Only against where we

were at the beginning and where we are
now.”