Book Study & Mindset Assessments
Starting this semester, once a month, I have had the pleasure of facilitating conversations in a group of several K-12 educators within my district as we do a book study of Mathematical Mindsets by Jo Boaler. This is probably my fourth time re-reading the book in it's entirety, but I reference and use this book on such a regular basis that it is actually falling apart. Each time I re-read part of it, I always find something new, a new ah-ha moment, a new idea to try out, something else I want to talk with other educators, or administrators about. Reading this book continues to remind me of not only the purpose and joy of math, but my purpose and role as an educator.
In discussion just this last week, I was reminded just how much I hate tracking, and just how important it is to be flexible within the classroom, and help provide and share a greater meaning of math with students. I asked participants in the book study group to write down, or email themselves just one thing that they were going to try out in their class, or one conversation that they were going to have with someone. I wanted them to do this so that they would continue to think about the ideas we have been reading about, and start to act on them. It is overwhelming to read this book and think of all of the things you want to change, that are important to change, but that journey can be overwhelming to plan, even debilitating. It is important to take a first step.
It has only been a few days, but I have already heard back from some of the teachers about some of the conversations they are having, questions they are asking, and advocacy that they are doing. I am inspired. As a result, I was reminded that I too need to continue to do the same. They have helped reignite some ideas and priorities that I have already started bringing back into conversations I am a part of for our district.
Although it started with reading, I think another great spot to start if all of this is new to you are THESE great assessments from Mindset Works, developed by a leader in mindset research, Carol Dweck. These assessments include the following:
I am excited to continue our dialogue, and hope to create a plan to continue to connect outside of our time together.
What will you do to spread the word? As Jo Boaler would say, Viva La Revolution!
In discussion just this last week, I was reminded just how much I hate tracking, and just how important it is to be flexible within the classroom, and help provide and share a greater meaning of math with students. I asked participants in the book study group to write down, or email themselves just one thing that they were going to try out in their class, or one conversation that they were going to have with someone. I wanted them to do this so that they would continue to think about the ideas we have been reading about, and start to act on them. It is overwhelming to read this book and think of all of the things you want to change, that are important to change, but that journey can be overwhelming to plan, even debilitating. It is important to take a first step.
It has only been a few days, but I have already heard back from some of the teachers about some of the conversations they are having, questions they are asking, and advocacy that they are doing. I am inspired. As a result, I was reminded that I too need to continue to do the same. They have helped reignite some ideas and priorities that I have already started bringing back into conversations I am a part of for our district.
Although it started with reading, I think another great spot to start if all of this is new to you are THESE great assessments from Mindset Works, developed by a leader in mindset research, Carol Dweck. These assessments include the following:
- What's My Mindset? (ages 12+)
- What's My Students' Motivational Challenge Level?
- What's My Classroom Mindset?
- What's My School Mindset?
I am excited to continue our dialogue, and hope to create a plan to continue to connect outside of our time together.
What will you do to spread the word? As Jo Boaler would say, Viva La Revolution!