"Growth" vs "Fixed" mindset

When a student has a fixed mindset he or she think that there is always a right or wrong answer or solution to a problem. These students are often afraid to think for themselves and try new ways to approach things. If teachers continue to teach students how to learn and do it in a "fixed" mindset kind of way then how will those students be able to survive in the real world. In my opinion they won't.

The other type of mindset that was discussed was a "growth" mindset. This is when students are able to see that there are many different ways to approach a problem and there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer as long as you can back it up. These students realize that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and make sure that you do it different the next time. These students will be able to make it in the real world because they will realize that the world is changing and he or she will always have to find a different way to solve a problem as the world changes.

As a teacher I believe it is very important to make sure we are encouraging our students to have a "growth" mindset. When a student has this mindset he or she is able to think for him or her self and not just learn a right or wrong answer. In order for students to be able to perform on the high level of blooms then he or she must be able to think for himself and always have an open mind.I think this is a very important concept that all teachers need to work on and help their students achieve this mindset.

Why doesn't the moon fall down?

This podcast was about how the moon moves. It explains, in very clear english, that the moon does fall down just like every other object. The lady explains the fact that the moon never hits the earth because it is always falling so fast that gravity keeps it just continuing to go around the Earth. There was a great visual example of this that you could show your students to help them get a better picture of what was being explained.

I think that podcast like these could be used in your classroom all the time as a teacher, especially an elementary teacher. During this age there are so many things that children are curious about. Podcast such as these could help to explain to the students something that would not be as easy to show them in class. It gives them a visual example while telling them about it.

Not only do I think this will help the students to learn about different things that he or she are interested in but I think they will also like to do it. Children love the computer and usually love to do anything that involves the computer. Therefore I think if you are able to engage them in learning that is on the computer they will love it and want to learn more. I think teachers should use things such as these to their advantage.

Edutopia

These podcast were great! I think that every future and maybe even current teacher should watch them. They inspired me to be a better teacher! It should me that if a teacher takes a little time to be more then just a traditional teacher then the children will love it! The actually enjoyed the activity that they were doing and I believe that they learned more from it. It was not just about memorizing something for the test. They actually did it and knew about it! I am more inspired to be a hands-on teacher.

A Night in The Global Village was a great podcast to teach the children to work together. They all had different types of supplies and they had to use a little bit of what everyone had to make things work. Not only did it teach the child to work together but it also showed them how things were in other parts of the world. Many times children think that everyone lives the same way they do. What they do not realize is many times they are a lot better off then many other children around them and around the world! This activity taught the children a lot about our diverse world.

I have to say that the Edible Schoolyard was my favorite out of the two! I loved how the teacher allowed the students to actually grow their own stuff. I think this allows the students to really get involved in what they are doing. Not only are they involved in the activity but they are actually LEARNING what is going on. They learn about the steps it takes, how it works, and about the products it produces. I think if every teacher took the time to allow their students to learn like this there would be more students who loved learning and attending school.

iTunes University

Taking education and turning it into something that is already common and interesting to the students is very important. Students today are very familiar with technology and use it in their everyday life. Most students these days, no matter the age, have either an ipod or an iphone. They think by having these they are just cool and have what everyone else has. What they do not know is that they are holding the world at their hands.

Teachers have taken this bit of information and expand it. Now these students are able to get more then just game, songs, and text messages, they can get the whole lecture that they missed that day because they over slept. Teachers are able to put everything on itunes. They can put their lectures or just a quick video on how to do something. SO now the teachers have it on their but to make it better all the students have to do is pull out their iphone and pull up itunes and its there! Their life is made that much easier just like that.

Many universities are using this great tool to help better suit their students. Now the students are able to go over the lessons and really learn what is going on in the class anywhere and at anytime. I think this is a great step that universities are beginning to make in order to better suit the lives of busy college students.

I know for myself, as a student, this would be great. I am a full time student, mother, and employee. THerefore my life is always very busy and I have to take full advantage of every minute I have. Therefore I could begin reviewing what we went over in class at every red light on airport due to the fact that my lessons are online. I am also a shy person and do not like to ask someone to repeat their selves so I could use this to just have it repeated for me with no one having to ask anyone. If you would like to read a little bit more about it you can visit the same site I did by click here