To Identify and Change Mindsets: The Challenge of

Nurturing Resilience and Motivation in Students and Staff

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The power of mindsets

Several key influences on my thinking and approach

Mindsets: The assumptions and expectations we possess about ourselves and others that guide our behavior

Mindsets and “motivating environments”

“Motivating environments” are characterized by people being cooperative, willing to learn from each other, willing to take risks because they feel safe and secure, and all parties feel a sense of ownership

As we attempt to create such environments there are several key questions to consider

Mindsets and “motivating environments”

What is the mindset of educators and other professionals who help to create motivating learning environments and positive mindsets for all students?

Do we discuss the topic of mindsets at staff meetings?

Features of a positive mindset

To believe in the capacity of students, especially those struggling with learning and behavioral issues to become more hopeful and resilient: The importance of a “charismatic adult”

“I want to be a ‘charismatic adult.’ What do I have to say and do?”

Features of a positive mindset

To believe that all children from birth want to learn and be successful

To believe that all students are motivated, but unfortunately, some are dominated by “avoidance motivation” as a way of protecting themselves from situations that they believe will lead to failure and humiliation

Features of a positive mindset

To believe that if something is not working or is ineffective in our approach with students we must ask, “What is it that I can do differently to change the situation?” rather than wait for students to change first. This should not be interpreted as blaming ourselves but rather as a source of empowerment as we seek to maximize student success in school

Features of a positive mindset

To be empathic: We must see the world through the eyes of the students with whom we work and consider ways of obtaining feedback from them— Daniel Goleman highlights empathy as a major component of both “emotional intelligence” and “social intelligence”

Features of a positive mindset

Exercises to promote empathy and empathic communication: Some basic questions to considerWould I want anyone to say or do to me what I have said or done to this student?In anything I say or do with a student what do I hope to accomplish?Am I saying or doing it in a way where the student feels respected and can truly hear what I have to say and respond constructively?

Features of a positive mindset

To understand the main characteristics of the mindset of resilient, motivated children so that we can have guideposts for reinforcing this mindset in our interactions with students. These guideposts are essential to follow for all students but even more so for those who struggle with learning, many of whom are burdened by negative feelings such as hopelessness and helplessness. Let’s look at several of the main features of a resilient, motivated mindset, all of which are interrelated

The mindset of resilient youth

To feel comfortable with and appreciate that others can be of support and help. We must remember the saying that “children don’t care what we know until they know we care.” We must find ways to reach out to them even as they seem to be pushing us away.

The mindset of resilient youth

To believe that you can solve problems and make decisions, which promotes a sense of personal control and ownership. This involves the belief that your ability to learn is based in great part on your own attitudes, motivation, and effort. To assist students to develop this outlook we must help them to understand their unique learning style and that there are different ways of learning. Students must also believe that their efforts will result in successful learning.

The mindset of resilient youth To define and reinforce your strengths or

“islands of competence” without denying or running from problematic areas. We must find ways of identifying and applying each student’s strengths.

To believe that you can contribute to and make a positive difference in the world. We must provide students with the opportunity to help others.

The mindset of resilient youthTo think before you act. To possess self-discipline and

self-control. Our disciplinary strategies with students must contribute to the emergence of self-discipline rather than anger and resentment.

To believe that mistakes are experiences from which you can learn rather than feel defeated. We must make certain that no student feels humiliated when making mistakes.