Growth Mindset and Motivation TIPR

The teacher that I observed encouraged growth mindset by continually encouraging and rewarding students for thinking beyond what they already know. If they expressed an opinion or a goal she would ask them to elaborate with her or pursue further knowledge so that their idea could continue to evolve and develop. She also validates their exploration and follows up with them which I see as a motivating factor because it increases their sense of competence and autonomy because they're being validated and encouraged for their own efforts. Also in the classroom she encourages a lot of collaboration and she's very careful to make sure everyone is included in a group, I feel that this would motivate learners by increasing their sense of belonging in the class. I saw that she encouraged intrinsic motivation by assigning projects that were very personal. For example, in the drugs unit they had to complete a project demonstrating their "natural highs." It's a very personal assignment so the students were motivated internally because they got to complete an assignment simply by doing something they love. They were extrinsically motivated because the final part of the assignment was that their projects would be shown in class so a lot of the students made sure they were proud of their assignment. Showing the projects in class also contributed to a sense of belongingness and fun in the class. The school itself also promotes growth mindset because it's true focus is ongoing student success. They have structured time during the week where students can make up or re-do assignments which I think illustrates to the students that they can always improve and that their performance isn't fixed. The school also adheres to Maslow's Hierarchy because they are careful to maintain their school so that it is a safe environment for learning and they have programs available for students so that they make sure each student has food during their time at school. Knowing that they are safe and taken care of motivates learners to do their best since they aren't worrying about if their school will collapse or if they'll get to eat that day.

I think more could be done to motivate students to perform well both academically and socially. I didn't see any evidence of the school recognizing outstanding students in any area of school life. I think that that's an awesome way to motivate students to grow academically and as citizens of the school because it gives them a chance to be recognized and praised for their efforts. Even though the school I observe at is relatively affluent I think more could be done to help those students that are from struggling families like a clothing drive or more direct hygiene instruction. Some of the students I saw were wearing clothes inappropriate for the weather or clothes that were obviously not their size. Now this could be the style these days but I think making it easier for them to meet these basic needs those students would be more motivated in the classroom and find more hope in their education to grow past their humble roots.

When I teach my mini lesson I'm going to be sure to encourage growth mindset by really emphasizing that nobody is stuck. I'll be teaching about the dangers of drug use so I want to really hit hard that wherever they are is not the end and whoever they are now is not who they will be forever. That high school is not the end and they have a whole lifetime of learning and development ahead of them and to really take advantage of the learning opportunities they're presented with and not let drug use stop their growth. I also want to make my lesson really relevant and fun for the students to motivate them to take it seriously and take the material to heart. I feel like students can never get too much validation in regards to their potential so I want that to be a big section of my lesson, and they'll know I'm not even a teacher yet so hopefully they know I'm saying it because I believe it and not because I'm their teacher!