1st Edition
Mindsets in the Classroom Building a Growth Mindset Learning Community
When students believe that dedication and hard work can change their performance in school, they grow to become resilient, successful students. Inspired by the popular mindset idea that hard work and effort can lead to success, this updated edition of Mindsets in the Classroom provides educators with ideas for ways to build a growth mindset school culture, wherein students are challenged to change their thinking about their abilities and potential. The book includes a planning template, a step-by-step description of a growth mindset culture, and Look Fors for adopting a differentiated, responsive instruction model teachers can use immediately in their classrooms. It also highlights the importance of critical thinking and teaching students to learn from failure. The four most important components of a growth mindset learning environment are also presented. The book includes a sample professional development plan and ideas for communicating the mindset concept to parents. This updated edition also presents ways to build the concept of “grit” and includes application to Makerspaces, instructional coaching, grading, and more! With this book's easy-to-follow advice, tasks, and strategies, teachers can grow a love of learning in their students.
Biography
Mary Cay Ricci is an education consultant and speaker. She was previously the Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Education for Baltimore County Public Schools. She holds certification in gifted and talented education and administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University, where she is currently a faculty associate in the Graduate School of Education.
"Mary Cay Ricci provides a thorough foundation in what growth mindset is, why it matters, and just as importantly, how to foster it in key stakeholders, namely teachers, students, and parents. Ricci advocates teaching parents about the brain research as well as giving them tools for reflecting on the kinds of praise they use with their children. She provides suggestions and resources for explaining the brain research and how the brain works. She offers not a single lesson but a series of experiences and tools for walking students along the path of understanding what fixed and growth mindsets are, and how they affect the way we perceive effort, intelligence, and success. Administrators or coaches will also find this book helpful for the concrete plan it provides for professional development."
Katie Gordon, MiddleWeb, 3/11/14
"Mindsets in the Classroom is filled with actionable ideas to improve school culture. It builds nicely on Dweck's original book (which itself is surprisingly easy to read) by specifically addressing the three essential audiences: teachers, parents, and students. As a teacher who works with gifted students, you'll find clear tasks to integrate into your classroom as well activities for staff meetings."Ian Byrd, Byrdseed.com, 3/1/14
"With a well-integrated emphasis on critical thinking skills, the chapters in this title offer practical tips founded in Ricci's direct experience and research from various sources (references are included) to positively impact learning."Katie Engen, Children's Literature, 5/1/14
