EDC 230 - Chapter 8

 

    The eighth chapter of The Growth Mindset Playbook by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley reviews how to foster a happy and collaborative classroom. The main message is to structure the school environment so students can learn about themselves and their peers. The authors discuss that teachers give their attention to students who appear to be more intelligent than others in some cases. This creates a hostile environment because it encourages students to compete against one another in an unhealthy way. It could cause a fixed mindset for students since they become highly focused on their grades instead of learning the material. A factor that the authors mention that is key to fostering a growth mindset is building a sense of community in the classroom. They list some of the following strategies that teachers can use: similarities and differences, on the bus off the bus, personal inventory or daily/weekly journaling, connecting with students, team approach, and being transparent by sharing a story. All of these should help the teacher build a relationship with their students.

    The authors emphasize that stable relationships among students and teachers are vital for ensuring a growth mindset. The way a teacher displays themself to their students plays an important role when building trust. If students think the teacher is fake or rigorous with content, they may struggle to develop a relationship. In comparison, a teacher who appears caring and open to sharing their own experiences may be more approachable and trustful to students. The authors say, “Educational researchers have begun to study the implications of happiness in the classroom, and the early results indicate that happier students tend to have better academic outcomes” (Brock and Hundley 122). This displays that a positive environment is crucial for students to get the most out of their learning experiences. In conclusion, if teachers want to educate students to the best of their ability, then they should invest in building constructive relationships and a happy classroom environment.