Cultivating a Growth Mindset Cindy Kruse, DVR-PASCD Board Member
Adopting a growth mindset is a journey. It is important to acknowledge the fact that we all have fixed mindsets in some area of our thinking. Cultivating a growth mindset is an ongoing process. To keep us moving forward on our journey, we must be on the lookout for our areas of fixed mindset thinking. Most importantly, we must understand the importance of extending grace to both ourselves and others when we encounter failure, remembering that mistakes afford wonderful opportunities to learn. Sir Ken Robinson once stated, “As all good gardeners know, you can’t make a plant grow. A good gardener, just like a good teacher, provides the optimal conditions for growth.” As we seek to cultivate a growth mindset in ourselves, our colleagues, and our students by providing the optimal conditions for growth we should consider the following advice (applicable to gardeners and educators alike): Start small… Plan well… Water regularly… Weed often…
“As all good gardeners know, you can’t make a plant grow. A good gardener, just like a good teacher, provides the optimal conditions for growth.” Sir Ken Robinson
Enjoy the harvest!
Cindy Kruse is a recent DVRASCD board member serving on the professional development committee. As an independent educational consultant, Cindy partners with educators and organizations to develop and deliver professional learning through workshops and instructional coaching. Her areas of expertise include literacy, gifted education, growth mindset, and effective classroom instruction.
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