Norming, Storming, Forming Fixed Vs. Unfixed Schooling.

As a very Neuro, diverse learner, sometimes referred to as a problem, child, back in the 80-90’s I can say unequivocally that while my test scores were challenged and struggling, so were my thinking skills, adaptation, and sense of perseverance, also being tested, challenged and prompted to struggle. This longform test that, at the time I was completely unaware that I was taking, became the mind map to my way of life and my better passions. As both ADD and dyslexic, adaptation, and ‘fumbling forward discoveries’ was not just a mindset, but a survival sport.

I am Tim Clue, the unlikely teacher, not the genius Carol’s Dweck who found a way to clarify and highlight a journey that I did not understand back in the day, but feel compelled to share how her groundbreaking work is thankfully becoming the norm in schools today, not the exception.

What was most surprising to me is that my 7th grader who also shares some of my challenges, albeit more savvy as to how to manage her neuro eccentricities,  recently  came home and explained Carol’s Dweck findings  and theories to her silly old dad. I wanted to say “a little late, Kiddo?”  But instead I’ll simply highlight an exciting trend and the focus of today’s blog.

 

Schools Are Moving Theoretical Into Tactical Practical; This Game Changer May Save Public Education.

In recent years, there has been a shift in the way schools approach education, with a growing emphasis on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL). This shift has been driven, in part, by the work of Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychology professor, who introduced the concept of fixed versus unfixed mindsets.

The fixed mindset suggests that abilities are innate and cannot be changed, while the unfixed mindset suggests that abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. By promoting an unfixed mindset, schools are encouraging students to see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as obstacles to be overcome.

 

While the shift towards an unfixed mindset may seem like a small change, it has far-reaching implications for the way schools operate. By emphasising the importance of growth and development, schools are helping students to become more resilient, more motivated, and more confident in their abilities. This, in turn, leads to greater success in all areas of life, not just in academic pursuits.

One example of a school that has embraced the unfixed mindset is the High Tech High School in San Diego, California. This school has implemented a PBL curriculum that emphasises creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to work on real-world projects that require them to apply their knowledge and skills in meaningful ways. This approach has resulted in higher levels of engagement, greater motivation, and improved academic performance.

Of course, implementing a new approach to education is never easy, and it can be especially challenging for administrators who are often underappreciated and overworked. However, the benefits of an unfixed mindset approach are clear, and more and more administrators are starting to see the light. They are recognizing that a long-term approach focused on process and growth is more beneficial than a short-term focus on test scores and grades.

In conclusion, the shift towards an unfixed mindset in schools is a positive development that is changing the way we approach education. By emphasising the importance of growth and development, schools are helping students to become more resilient, more motivated, and more confident in their abilities. This will be especially important in the coming years, as critical thinking and problem-solving skills become increasingly important in a world where technology and automation are changing the nature of work. So, let's give our administrators a long overdue round of applause for taking on the difficult challenge of shifting educational changes that often progress at a glacial pace.

For  More Information Visit: https://www.timclue.com/