In some classrooms, “sit and get” style lectures and reading the textbook are the only way students receive topic-related information. However, I do not believe that only lecturing is the best way for students to learn. I think students benefit most from exploratory lessons or interaction with the materials in a project form. I think that lectures can be helpful when they come from the most qualified person to give those lectures, sometimes through videos or articles. I think combining lectures with hands-on activities can be helpful for student learning. The way that Lamar does its online courses is great. I appreciate the way that the lectures briefly share some knowledge we need to be able to complete the tasks/ assignments for the week. Then, time is spent discussing each of the assignments and communicating with each other regarding course expectations.
In the course I am creating, I plan to have students watching videos and reading articles created by professionals that have a deeper understanding of the topic than I do. Then, I plan to use Flipgrid, GSuite Apps, and Edpuzzle as formative assessments.
I am relating my methods to the knowledge and skills students will need in a digital age because the students will need to know how to use the G Suite apps like Docs and Slides. Students also will need to learn how to be comfortable with themselves on camera and responding to ideas in comments. I think it will benefit students to only be able to communicate through comments and Flipgrid videos (rather than face-to-face) because oftentimes in middle school, students get very nervous and self-conscious when recording videos in the class together. However, they feel completely comfortable recording themselves with as many takes as needed to ensure they are happy with the final result.
Students also will be given opportunities to identify the benefits of the growth mindset in others and themselves. After learning about the growth mindset, my students will have the opportunity to respond to a hands-on math-related problem that allows them an opportunity to use the growth mindset and then reflect on the experience. I think this will benefit students, as they won’t have the teacher in person to “rescue” them while they are struggling with the problem. Instead, they will have to work together to come up with a solution.
See my current plan for the course below!
Session 1:
1. Learners will understand what a growth mindset is. Learners will make the connection between brain growth and a growth mindset. Learners will be able to explain the importance of a growth mindset while learning mathematics. Learners will comprehend the difference and similarities between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. Learners will exhibit joy while learning something new. Students will need to identify if they have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset about mathematics. Learners will learn how to manage their time best through organizational skills.
Neuroplasticity Video by Sentis
Growing your Mind by Khan Academy
Students complete questionnaires from p. 12 from Mindset. The new psychology of success by Carol Dweck. Self Efficacy Formative Questionaire or Dweck Mindset Instrument
Students then respond to Flipgrid video of me leading students through the questions and sharing results with a phrase that describes how they felt while choosing their mindset.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset by Sprouts
EdPuzzle on Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
Using a Venn Diagram, students will click and drag fixed mindset vs. growth mindset statements.
Embed Seesaw Venn Diagram (Create Account and Embed this Activity)
Session 2:
2. Learners should see the relationship between a growth mindset and improvement in a skill. Learners will connect their growth mindset to their personal lives. Learners will learn how to independently set SMART goals to help them accomplish larger goals
Flipgrid video recording of students– students share out the name of their favorite athlete and the reason for his/ her career success.
4 steps to a growth mindset- quick read (in Google classroom)
Discussion Post- Students share out some goals they want to achieve (one in math class and one outside of school) and how they will achieve their goals.
Students fill in Google Doc Worksheet prompting students through SMART goal steps.
Session 3:
3. Students will need to interpret and analyze data that supports the development of a growth mindset. Students will be required to create or find a real-world example of when it would have been helpful to have a growth mindset.
SMART Goals due.
Discussion- How does a growth mindset affect school performance?
Newslea Activity (Does SMS have access?)
The Power of Belief- Mindset and Success by TEDx Talks
Flipgrid video of story teacher experienced working hard to get good at something.
Students create story of a past time they worked hard/ overcame a struggle. Students can choose Google Doc, Google Slides, Flipgrid to share the idea.
Share / Brainstorm Strategies for when we struggle (Flipgrid Video written responses or monitored Padlet).
Session 4:
4. Students will need to learn how to manage their mindset and work to grow their brains. Students will be able to learn about choices they make and how what they think (their mindset) can affect their learning/ successes. Learners will learn how to use the growth mindset to retrain their brains (change fixed mindset to growth mindset). Learners will learn steps to take to combat a fixed mindset.
Story of Struggle is due.
Revisit 5 Steps to a Growth Mindset (find resource ideal for mathematics/ middle school students)
Students will create a Growth Mindset Plan with the provided template. Students further develop their growth mindset plan by identifying how they will achieve their two SMART goals and reflect on how the 5 steps will be necessary as they work toward their goals.
Session 5:
5. Learners will exhibit appreciation for the nature of learning new topics in mathematics. Learners should be able to understand the benefit to creating a growth mindset plan for themselves individually. Learners will discover how to be better stewards of their talents and skills with the growth mindset. Learners will use the growth mindset to help them make informed decisions in their lives. Students will create a presentation regarding a real-world application of the growth mindset while interacting with a low floor, high ceiling math problem
Turn in Growth Mindset Plan
Students are exposed to a math problem from Mindset Mathematics by Jo Boaler where they have to use skills they just discussed to maintain a growth mindset.
Reflection on experience in Flipgrid. Students respond to one more video (can be a message or video response).
Share about experience with family/ family interview about fixed vs. growth mindset.
Education with Meaning 