Hello all — I want to share some news from the Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE).
This week in Interlochen 101, the freshmen and new sophomores are doing a workshop on the concept of Mindset and how the view of intelligence that we have when we approach a task can color our enjoyment, ability, and effort. This idea was first examined by Dr. Carol Dweck (TED Talk) back in the 70s and popularized in her wonderful book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2008). Dr. Dweck found that there were two basic mindsets that we could use when approaching a task. Those with a "fixed mindset" viewed that their intelligence and their abilities as unchanging or "fixed." Those with a growth mindset, approach tasks thinking that no matter your intelligence, you can always grow and get better.
Dr. Dweck found that this was a powerful idea, and those with growth mindsets tended to be more willing to attempt difficult tasks, take more enjoyment in their work, be more resilient in the face of a challenge, and perform better at almost any task. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset were more likely to quit, to think they couldn't accomplish something, be unwilling to try difficult tasks, and had worse performance.
Based on Dr. Dweck's work and the excellent book Neuroteach: Brain Science and the Future of Education** that Mary Ellen led some of us in reading this summer, I've decided that this year's theme in ACE will be the idea of "Yet." We will be encouraging students to approach their learning with the idea that "they can't do it yet," "they haven't learned yet," and "they haven't finished yet," and to be aware that each thing they do is focused on learning to be a better student and artist. Please feel free to echo these sentiments in your interactions with our students.
I'd be happy to discuss this more with you all, and if you're interested in learning more about the concept of Mindset, please feel free to check out the ACE LibGuide on the Interlochen Library site.
**to access ebook off campus remember to use your ID number for BOTH username and password.
How Praise Became a Consolation Prize: Interview with Carol Dwek.
Growth Mindset from Edutopia: Find information about growth mindset, discover how learning mindsets can affect student performance, and explore strategies that support student confidence.
Embracing Failure: Building a Mindset through the Arts
Sincerely,