Growth mindset discussion

One of our book reads this year is Mindset by Carol Dweck. It is a fascinating read for parents and educators.  We will discuss the following questions on April 15th during our PLC time.  

1. According to Dweck’s research, “Praising children’s intelligence harms their motivation and it harms their performance.” She continues with, “Praise should deal not with the child’s personality attributes, but with his efforts and achievements.” Discuss how you personally give praise to your own children and students. 
2. It is natural to want to protect our children/students from failure to protect their self-esteem.  When do you protect them (your own children and students) against failure and then expose them to failure?  Discuss failure and its role in developing a growth mindset.
3. We all want our children/students to succeed.  This burning desire for success can often cloud our vision at times. According to Dweck wanting the best for children means, “fostering their interests, growth, and learning.” How do you balance what you want for your child with what your child’s interests are? How do student interests play a role in your classroom?
4. There’s an assumption that schools are for students’ learning only.  Why aren’t they just as much for teachers’ learning? I believe if adults are learning at high levels so too are students. The professional development committee is establishing a learning atmosphere for teachers in our district through various methods.  Reflect on these methods to achieve this and discuss. 
5. John Wooden said, “You have to apply yourself each day to becoming a little better.  By applying yourself to the task of becoming a little better each and every day over a period of time, you will become a lot better.” Reflect and discuss the quote and how it applies to you.
6. What were the major takeaways from the book? How have they impacted you as a person or as a teacher?