I remember being introduced to the learning pit last year when I attended PBL training through Michael McDowell. I found each training he put on so informative and helpful but the learning pit really helped to open doors to changing my teaching forever. I didn't really have a working knowledge of how to use it, implement it or where to even start with it... but after the training I went to school the next day, put a simple diagram of the pit on the front board and asked the kids to consider where they were on their journey toward being proficient writers. It took them a while to understand what I needed and wanted from them. I started using lines with them like, " Mistakes are how we learn" and..." there is no such thing as 'I can't'". The feeling in my classroom instantly felt lighter, less tense. I also noticed a change in my students. They started to show greater confidence in themselves and seemed to enjoy learning more. A weight had been lifted and I knew that teaching my students to have a growth mindset would be a part of my classroom strategies from then on.
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Jona Sandau
11/3/2018 03:48:28 pm
Caitlin--too funny! I just finished my blog, entitled "The Learning Pit" and decided to respond to someone else's blog and here we go--"The Learning Pit!" So awesome that we both connected most to that concept this week. I decided that the reason I did is because I am in one...lol. The growth mindset is such a universally awesome thing to teach students about--and adults alike. I often find myself trying to get a growth mindset going about dieting... So great how it reduces stress around performance. Love your blog and excited to see your research, too!
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Jennifer Perkins
11/4/2018 02:17:53 pm
Hi Caitlin! What great insight! There are endless benefits to implementing positive growth mindset principles in the classroom. I agree with your statement that these principles produce a "lighter" feel in the classroom atmosphere. Teaching students that mistakes are how we learn and grow, and the "power of yet" allow for a more relaxed and motivated learning environment.
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Monica Knecht
11/4/2018 05:49:41 pm
Caitlin,
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JP
11/6/2018 04:38:27 pm
In a class where I focus a lot of time where I teach tools and work based learning, I sometimes struggle with the idea of culturally responsive teaching - meaning, I'm still trying to wrap my head around what it means in the context of my class! ha ha ha - so it is always helpful to hear teachers talk about it and explain how it has impacted their own practice!
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AuthorI am a first grade teacher who is passionate about her students and learning new things! Archives
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