One always thought that people are born with a certain approach to life, a thought process conditioned by family background and values, and circumstances in life shape the way one reacts to life and its challenges. It was when I started interacting with people online during the pandemic ( yes as recent as this) that I realized that we needed to see things differently, in every possible way that there was to see ...that was the only way to do it ..to view different perspectives with a mind to constant #change...and that's when I thought about #growth Mindset; I researched and read up extensively and understood that to develop human agency and ability awareness about growth mindset was elementary. So, started my research in this direction.
The guru of the growth mindset classroom, Dr. Dweck clearly defines :
"The growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every way in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments, everyone can change and grow through application and experience".
To develop this magic mantra, one would need to be open-minded to accept the impact of change on our daily lives. To be the change is a dream that all hold but to drive the change one needs to strive and internalize the change, the thought process, and develop the growth mindset. The ideas embodied in our education systems for a long have challenged progressive thought ..the teacher has been considered the last word in knowledge dispensation. However, is that true
I'll understand if here I am met with skepticism, but let me share some compelling evidence that may change your mind. Would you be interested in exploring that with me?
To evolve an educator's upskilling becomes relevant. Some of the ways to enhance one's skill set are :
Reviewing and self-appraisal in the light of the school's vision and mission.
Setting SMART goals based on the outcome of the above.
Get your peer or a senior involved in mentoring you..someone who would help you set your goal and guide you through the process.
Be open to feedback - however hard-hitting. Seek feedback.be open-minded.
Be prepared for failure and then be resilient
Review and reset, if needed.
Over the past 29 years of teaching and learning, I have realized the fact that one cannot or
rather doesn't change because one has to but one does evolve if one is connected enough
with the cause. Thus, the responsibility must also lie with the institutions and the leaders to
enable their educators to establish the connection. The idea of developing a growth mindset
must be seen as an advantage, the purpose of it needs to be established in the minds of the
Teachers.
So why a growth mindset?
"People with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of obstacles, enjoy putting in the effort, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others' successes".
The above will not only enable the individual but will bring positivity to the workspace. Isn't that one of the focus areas for any organization? To look out for everyone's well-being, to ensure a culture of acceptance and cooperation.
How does this work?
When each one gives their best when collaboration is visible in the environment. When
people are mindful of each other and support the progress of the program, of the cohort, of
the institution, and not just themselves. As leaders, one can encourage their team to :
Think big and beyond the self.
Examine processes and systems with an open mind
Be mindful of the needs of all
Accept and own the mistakes one makes,( that's bound to happen). Learn from those
mistakes.
Take feedback from all stakeholders and work on it, seek a review post it.
Get everyone on board, decisions can't be arbitrary.
Be realistic in your target setting.
Have time-bound entry and exit checkpoints for the entire team
Develop a robust coaching program.
These will set us on the path of self-actualization and the achievements one sees will collectively result in a positive approach and the development of a growth mindset. My entire teaching and learning journey was defined by trying to get acceptance, I realized I was seeking too hard. I then moved toward the path of acceptance and my struggles did ease out. I started seeing things from different perspectives. I now believe there's no single way of doing anything instead one must explore every possible method before coming down to anyone. The analytical approach has made me accept others and myself, I allow myself to change my approach and not be rigid This journey was difficult, and was so challenging that I almost gave up at times, but the light at the end of the tunnel kept me going. And today, after 5 years of self-study and reflection, I feel I see the change I wanted to feel and bring about. Now I analyze, introspect, and empathize before I judge. I can process, and synthesize before I decide.
A growth mindset is not just a psychological theory; it's a blueprint for achieving your full potential. It can positively impact your personal and professional life, leading to increased resilience, a love for learning, and a more optimistic outlook on the challenges life throws your way.
So, as you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of life, remember that adopting a growth mindset can be the key to unlocking your true potential. Embrace challenges, learn from failures, and put in the effort, and you'll find that success becomes a continuous journey rather than a distant destination.
My key takeaways
A growth mindset and self-study go hand in hand, offering powerful tools for personal development and learning. A growth mindset revolves around the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through dedication, effort, and resilience. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes abilities are innate and unchangeable. When combined with self-study, a growth mindset becomes a catalyst for continuous learning and improvement. Self-study involves taking ownership of one's learning journey and seeking resources, information, and experiences independently to expand knowledge and skills.
Individuals with a growth mindset perceive challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. In the context of self-study, this mindset encourages individuals to embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and view failures as stepping stones to success. It fosters a proactive approach to learning, where setbacks are seen as temporary obstacles rather than permanent limitations. Moreover, a growth mindset coupled with self-study promotes a hunger for knowledge and a desire to explore new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. It encourages individuals to seek feedback, reflect on their progress, and adapt their learning strategies accordingly.
In essence, the synergy between a growth mindset and self-study empowers individuals to take control of their learning journey, cultivate resilience in the face of challenges, and continuously strive for improvement. It enables a mindset shift from seeking perfection to valuing progress, thereby fostering lifelong learning and personal development.
No comments:
Post a Comment