Nearing the End

It is now with only 3 weeks of school left I reflect on the journey of growth mindset in a mathematical environment. Wow it has been fantastic. We have begun by trialling these new ideas such as thinking blocks. It is working out well, the students are enjoying the change from the fearful basic facts ladder. Students enjoy the environment that has been created where there is a big focus around the basics on growth mindset: taking risks, making mistakes is good, collaboration, low floor high ceiling entry points, and mixed ability. Readings to date have been influential as has the Jo Boaler course I have completed. I need to build on this for next year and hit the ground running in terms of setting up this environment. I believe the big challenge next year will be to get everyone on board. It will be very easy for some to hold on to the fixed mindset thinking and pedagogy that seems prevalent. It may be the fact that some will go against this and certainly some will be less professional about giving change a chance but these are the challengers that Jo Boaler has talked about.