Spreading the Growth Mindset

Posted on 01/23/2020

Educators at Indian Lake Middle School continue their efforts to instill in students a "growth mindset."
Teachers in the 8th grade have presented the concept of a Growth Mindset for the past few years and now all grade levels are adopting the philosophy.
Physical Education teacher Zach Overturf recently taught a lesson called "Three Sets Everyone Should Have" to his 6th grade Laker Time students. The children considered and listed their own "skill set"--what are they good at, "mindset"--is their attitude positive or negative and "reset"-what are ways to become more positive than negative or how can you move on after you've accomplished a goal?
Other Growth Mindset lessons this year have included 5th graders creating positive posters and locker notes about intentionally positive behaviors and 8th graders learning the importance of perseverance.
The term was first introduced in the book "Mindset: The New Philosophy of Success" by Carol Dweck.
In a Growth Mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.
The lessons will continue periodically at ILMS throughout the year. In addition, Growth Mindset reinforces the ideas of the R-Factor program which staff members are learning about during professional development days this school year. The concepts of R-Factor including, E+R=O (Event+Response=Outcome) and more encourage participants to be intentional in their behaviors to create the best outcome in any situation. Students district-wide will be officially introduced to the R-Factor next school year.

8th Grade Growth Mindset #1
8th Grade Growth Mindset #2