Mindset

One thing that really stuck in my mind after hearing Carol Tomlinson speak was the idea of Mindset in the classroom.  Mindset is the work of Dr. Carol Dweck and is game changing research about how we view intelligence.

Dr. Tomlinson provided a few slides that made the idea of fixed versus growth mindset clear in my mind.  (These slides are available on her website under Presentations - VAST) I knew the power of teachers who have this mindset and the implications for how they reach students.  However, I had not thought of the implications that come from the children themselves.  Yes, teachers may think that all kids can learn and grow...but if the children do not believe in themselves, then the work of the teacher is that much harder.

These slides will provide even more information about how children may view themselves.  My mind went immediately to several of my students - some students who live in poverty and move from school to school, others are students who struggle in one or more areas.  And then, something clicked and I realized she was talking about my son!  He used to have a growth mindset when he was in elementary school.  He was surrounded by people who believed in him and helped him learn.  And then he went to middle and high school where the expectations and teaching philosophy changed.  He didn't fit their mold of what a student should be - he is a creative soul who never fit in the box.  Now, he is struggling - academically and emotionally.  Don't ever think that mindset of a teacher can not affect a child...because it truly does.

What can we do? As teachers it is so important that we give students messages that help them understand that they can change their mindset.  If they get stuck in the cycle of a fixed mindset, they will have a hard time learning and being successful.  We need to observe our students and figure out which ones need our help believing in themselves...

There is so much more to this idea, and one that I can not wait to explore further.  I hope that this has piqued your curiosity as well. 

Carol Tomlinson and differentiation

When I first heard that  Carol Tomlinson was speaking on differentiation in science I thought...oh man...I'm not sure we need to split up into differentiated groups in science.  I was prepared to disagree with everything she would say.  In fact, I told a friend that I was going so that I would have more ammunition to debate why what we do with FOSS is better than differentiating.  But, I can now say I was wrong...big time!

She hooked me right away when she introduced us to the Common Sense model of Differentiation.

As she  spoke about these points, I realized what was the problem with the way that many people interpret differentiation.  It is so much more that just leveled books, leveled worksheets and more.  It is, in the truest sense, a method of framing instruction.These are the key points I took away that we need to remember at all times.In order to be a really effective classroom teacher, you need to plan for:

Environment

Learning Goals

 Assessment

Relationships

Adjustment

Routines 

Here is a graphic that she showed us that really puts this in perspective: 

When I break it down, it makes me think of the parts that are at work in many successful classrooms.  At our school we believe in the Responsive Classroom approach to environment, routines, relationships and more.  We have also read Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind to help us reach our hard to reach students of poverty.  These kids need a different approach than many of our "typical" children.  

Next, I think of our science curriculum and instruction. At our school we also use FOSS, a research based model of instruction that is recognized across the nation for engaging, thought provoking science instruction.  FOSS breaks down instruction by providing an outline of learning goals that can be organized into what the students should know, understand and do. 

Throughout the model there are opportunities for formative and summative assessments along with suggestions to adjust your teaching to meet the needs of all your students.  It also creates an opportunity to teach up...to teach beyond the basic standards and teach for understanding. 

 And so...I realized that I do agree with Carol Tomlinson's theories on differentiation.  My planning sheet is tailored to meet the needs of all learners. I assess and adjust all the time throughout the day.  My classroom environment is open and engaging for all.  Differentiation is not JUST leveled worksheets...it is a whole philosophy based on best teaching strategies. Now, I can't wait to read more  of her books and visit her website to learn even more.