My Research and the DLL Program
The research that I have been doing in this DLL program has really helped me focus on my calling and what I want to be doing in the future. I am determined to share everything I have been learning with my campus and students. I have learned why digital technology is important and how it can change the way we think and learn. I have also learned and studied the effectiveness of Eportfolios. Eportfolios are a part of my innovation plan. All of my students will hopefully and eventually be able to create and utilize their own, One of the most important and valuable pieces of information that I want to share is how to obtain a “Growth mindset” and the “Power of yet”.
My Goal
As a high school teacher, I will have to model the word “Yet” and what it means to me to my students. This will be done by us creating and sharing our personal goals and growth with each other as a class. We will all be able to reflect upon our growth from the use of Eportfolios. In the classroom, my goal will be to get all of my students using Eportfolios effectively. I will track, analyze and share my results and process with my students. If they’re able to see me growing and getting closer to my goals, hopefully, they will be inspired and know that anything is possible for themselves and their futures. This is how they will be able to know the importance of a Growth Mindset. I also hope that this will help them focus less on letter Grades as I mentioned in my “Power of Yet” article. Grades should not be the defining factor of a student’s intelligence. I see this happen every day. Students work hard just to receive an “A” or “B” and they’re not actually learning, they’re just infatuated with a “Letter”. They want that A or B so bad that they are not interested in the actual assignment and learning that is taking place. Dweck even says, “First of all, we can praise wisely, not praising intelligence or talent. That has failed. Don’t do that anymore. But praising the process that kids engage in: their effort, their strategies, their focus, their perseverance, their improvement. This process praise creates kids who are hardy and resilient.”
The word “Yet” can actually transform “how” and “why” we learn.
GRIT
Angela Lee Duckworth was the speaker at one of my favorite TED Talks. She defined Grit as “being your passion and perseverance for long term goals. Long term goals take time and hardwork. Grit is also having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for many years. It is also working extremely hard to make the future you want a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon.”
This program has made me realize that hard work and Grit is required to be successful. Anything that comes to easy, usually is not worth it. I am determined to roll out my innovation plan and earn my Masters Degree. I have acquired a Growth Mindset and have learned to appreciate my “small gains” not just the big ones.
My Growth
Learning Environment + 3 Column Table
CSLE and My Innovation Plan
Focusing on Creating Significant Learning Environments will impact my plan, because it has helped me to analyze how I will execute my plan. The CSLE approach has prompted me to really think about how I can create even more of a student centered classroom. As I get closer to teaching my campus and students Eportfolio’s I have to be very careful and concise to how I am introducing them and their purpose for my classroom. Besides being just student centered, I also want my classroom to be highly educated on technology, transformative, reflective and inventive. The content that I want to be teaching will also be of quality and resourceful. I want my students to be able to take the information that they have learned from me, well into their futures. I want to create lifelong learners.
My Steps to Obtaining a Growth Mindset
- Listen to your inner voice
- Evaluate the choices you have
- Respond back with a growth mindset voice
- Practice
- Seek Mentorship
- Block out negativity
- Learn the importance of “yet”
- Take Action
References
Dweck, C. S. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Ballantine Books.
The Digital Millenial 