As teachers, it would be our role to challenge our mindsets, be open to new ideas, take risks, and ask lots of questions. This will require stepping out of our comfort zone. We can not get too comfortable as we need to be continuously learning and asking how we can better our teaching and learning. to ensure our students are getting the best education possible.
Robert MarzanoRobert Marzano's research is really easy to follow and understand. After reflecting on my internship, I had incorporated many of his suggestions into my classroom management strategies. What I found really important was the student relationship. Several times in the image to the right, does Marzano touch on knowing who your students are, their goals and interests and allow them to create procedures and rules. This type of student-centered learning is key to 21st century teaching.
Marzano suggests that creating a safe and caring environment, getting students interested, demonstrating the importance of content, and recognizing the outcome of personal effort will help get students engaged. What really stood out for me, was when Marzano mentioned that you "can't sustain student engagement if students believe they can't accomplish the work.” This really made me reflect on my experiences as a student and teacher. I am sure we all know somebody who said right off the bat, “I can’t do that.” It is our job to build growth mindsets in our students so they understand that they have control over their learning. John HattieJohn Hattie's research on factors that affect student achievement is a great resource to reflect on your teaching pedagogy. I have always wondered if homework really contributes to student achievement, and according to Hattie, homework only has a .29 effect which is not as effective as other strategies.
See more about Hattie and Student Achievement here: Alec CourosAlec is a professor of edtech & media, education researcher, consultant, connected educator, keynote speaker & open scholar - Faculty of Ed., University of Regina.
Alec's concept of the Innovator's mindset really connected to the 21st century methods of teaching. With the shift in education, it requires educators to reflect on their practices and actions in the school. As you can see in the 8 characteristics of the innovators mindset, each characteristic relates directly to 21st century skills and methods. 1. Empathetic - Teacher-student relationship 2. Problem Finders - Critical Thinking 3. Risk Takers - Growth, Development 4. Networked - Collaboration & Communication 5. Observant - Inquiry 6. Creators - Technology, Assessment, Questions 7. Resilient - GRIT 8. Reflective - Personalized Each of these characteristics can be developed both by teachers and students to enhance their learning and character. If I had not reflected on my beliefs and practices since starting my time in the College of Education, I would have such a fixed mindset that would stop me from giving my students the best education possible. Moving to an innovators mindset helps shift to a 21st century educator. Carol Dweck"Teaching a growth mindset creates motivation and productivity in the worlds of business, education, and sports."
Carol Dweck is a Psychology professors whose work compliments Couros' innovator's mindset. |
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