FEATURE: SUCCESSFUL INNOVATIVE TEACHING PRACTICE
‘Actually, I Can!’ – how to develop a growth mindset in students
passion is to capture students’ interest in learning from a young age and to encourage them to achieve and be successful. Here, she outlines her belief that developing a growth mindset, and using targeted motivation, encouragement and support, will empower students to make the best decisions for their future success.
Our mindset determines our success in life. It can empower us and give us confidence and drive when we need it the most, or it can limit us and make us doubt ourselves, stopping us from reaching our goals. By having a positive mindset and believing you can achieve what you are trying to achieve, you are more motivated, persistent and determined, which are all key ingredients to succeeding in anything. A positive mindset also cultivates self-confidence and self-esteem. Developing a growth mindset is an interesting
concept to explore in the context of education. Any student can develop a growth mindset. It’s
I
n our second feature this month on innovative teaching practice, we’re
delighted to hear from Kayleigh Greenacre, Assistant Head of School at Bedford Academy and Founder of ‘Actually, I Can!’, a business created to help individuals (adults and students) develop a growth mindset towards success. Kayleigh has worked in education for over twelve years completing a master’s degree in education, the National ‘Teacher Leaders’ programme and the ‘Women in Leadership’ programme. Her
a mental and emotional attitude that doesn’t always come naturally to everyone, but is a habit that they can pick up and develop through school. You have to train your mind to see the positives in life. Many students find that developing a positive mindset makes them feel happier and more energised in school.
There are a number of benefits for students to develop a growth mindset: • You are generally healthier and sleep better. Because you’re not worrying about things and you are thinking positively about your goals, you are able to relax more, which help you to be
34
www.education-today.co.uk
healthier, both mentally and physically. Eliminating stress and anxiety will help you to sleep better, and you will generally feel more energised and healthier. • You develop better well-being, both mentally and physically. Thinking positively improves your mental well-being because you are thinking happy thoughts about your situation and your education goals. • You develop skills in a range of areas. Positive thinking helps you to develop skills within your different subjects. • You develop more self-confidence. The more you believe you can achieve the goals you set for yourself, the more your confidence will grow. Confidence really supports students with preparing them for the world of work and their next steps. • You are more resilient. You increase your ability to cope with problems and to continue working towards your education goals and exams, regardless of any hurdles that you may face on the way. • You have more energy. You create energy through positive thinking, and this motivates you to want to achieve within school/college. • You are more successful. With more energy, resilience and confidence, you are able to work harder towards your goals – such as passing your exams or securing your future destination in education and learning.
Students who believe that they can develop and improve through hard work have a growth mindset. These students generally enjoy learning new things and taking on challenges (even if they
September 2021
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
