Stage two reflection

Math Mindsets 

This week, I want to consider what a math mindset might be. As we've progressed through our second week of the year, I've found myself already being confused in my math class. I know right? It's only week 3! However, I feel like a lot of this feeling might be stemming from a deeper place. As a student myself, I did not believe in my mathematics abilities, I had a hard time believing in myself when I became frustrated. Now however, I can feel myself moving down another path, one where making mistakes isn't seen as an embarrassment, and is seen as progress. 

Retrieved September 18th 2017 From: Growth Mindset

 I took it upon myself this week to do a little bit more investigating when it comes to having a Growth or Fixed Mindset. We were asked to watch a video in class that briefly goes over the differences between the two, and then were asked to try and describe or determine which mindset we believe we have. I had a hard time answering this question because I previously would have said that I had a fixed mindset, "I'm not good at this, I quit". However, now I look at things differently, I wouldn't go as far as saying I have a complete growth mindset, however that I am well on my way to developing one. 

I found a fellow blogger this week that talks about a mathematics growth mindset, and states that this is an approach to teaching mathematics which believes that mindset is more important than initial ability. Helen Hindle, the author of this blog, states that students with a growth mindset will make better progress than students with a fixed mindset. She breaks down the difference between the two and here is a little highlight of what it looks like: 

Growth Mindset:                                                  Fixed Mindset:

View mistakes as opportunity for learning          Are reluctant to take on challenges 

Are resilient                                                          Prefer to stay in their comfort zone 

Believe that effort creates success                       Think it is important to look smart in front of others

Think about how they learn                                 Believe you either have talent or don't 

 Seeing this broken down like this opened my eyes significantly. The column on the right makes me feel like we are failing our children and students. I don't believe that any child should feel that way about any topic, let alone one that they may already have been apprehensive going into. 

If you would like to read Helen's blog for yourself, find her website here. 

I have found that through trial and error, even in my placement last year, it has been one of the most effective ways to learn. My associate teach last year had this saying "practice makes progress" and it has really stuck with me because I don't believe in complete perfection, humans should be allowed to make mistakes, however it's the continued effort and practice that is important at the end of the day.

Thanks for reading!