Creating Significant Learning Environment

Growth Mindset : Revisited

/ Anna Diemecke / Leave a comment

In order to create significant learning environments, learners must remain positive in the face of challenges and believe in themselves. When learners develop a growth mindset, they have the opportunity to learn everything imaginable in authentic contexts, recognizing that their learning is limitless and intelligence is not fixed (Dweck 2017). Dweck firmly believes that the growth mindset recognizes that learning is the result of effort, not of natural ability. This helps learners understand that there is no such thing as “can’t” because dedication and hard work lead to success (2017).

​The power of YET concept is huge to me, as we all know that as part of Computer Science classes, coding is a part of it and most of the students are scared of the idea of not learning. A student who studies computer science cites a bundle of reasons why students drop out, lack of practical skills, inability to keep up with the workload, and difficulty with understanding (Whitmore, 2022). “A computer science class is clearly no walk in the park” (Whitmore, 2022, p. 1). When students are engaged, they are more likely to excel in core instruction and less likely to need an academic intervention (Toth, 2021).

I will model a growth mindset and I will be persistent, I will keep going as  I know that my students can learn as long as I am providing them with significant learning and opportunities for growth. Because of brain plasticity, learners can grow through challenges to learn new concepts and skills (Dweck, 2016).


Grit can be misconstrued as being hard-headed if we do not embrace change. But I believe that with grit, I will not give up developing my growth mindset and my student growth mindset. I would like for my students to understand that mistakes are part of learning, I always tell my students that Errors are part of learning, we debug codes and corrected them and that is how we learn. I know talking about a growth mindset, and modeling it is still not going to be enough, but with the consistency of embracing mistakes as a part of the learning process and with the consistency of creating a significant learning environment.

References:

Duckworth, A. L. [TED]. (2013, May 9). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance .

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.

​Whitman, G. (2014, August 06). The power of yet. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/power​76

Whitmore, R. (2022, April 12). Why is computer science so hard? Online Schools Report.   Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.onlineschoolsreport.com/why-is-computer-science-so-hard/

Toth, M. D. (2021, May 14). Why student engagement is important in a post-COVID world. Learning Sciences International. Retrieved July 9, 2022, from https://www.learningsciences.com/blog/why-is-student-engagement-important/

Learning Revolution

/ Anna Diemecke / 2 Comments

I love watching these two videos; they resonated with me and reminded me that what I am doing right now has an essential purpose. As stated by Sir Ken Robinson, we can revolutionize education with technology and the combination of teacher talent, and each school will flourish tomorrow. However, in order to achieve it, we must have the right people taking the job; Robinson mentioned that you need to have the passion, and excitement, to feel free and get lost in that moment because you love that job so much that this is the only thing you want to do. I love helping my student, but sometimes I get frustrated and tired; I have those moments that I want to quit, but I stay simply because I know in my heart that I can help my students; more than the academic aspect. Moreover, I tried my best to make them comfortable in my class, that it is okay to make mistakes and that we are all learning. I have previous students who inspired and made me believe I am in the right place.

Pinks’ video is so on point; just like Robinson’s ideas, the power of motivation makes people do their best and maximize their potential. Starts treating people as people, and they will be better; applying this notion to students is true; they work more if you have shown them that you care. Based on my experience, they are building a relationship with our student’s matters. It is one of the keys to a thriving learning environment.

Robinson, K. (2010, May 24). Bring on the Learning Revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LelXa3U_I&t=65s

Pink. (2010). RSA Animate: Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us. Youtube. https://youtu.be/u6XAPnuFjJc?list=PLOs0lcCMEHfKWAfRRmVNhb0jEMBz2i2a_

New Culture of Learning

/ Anna Diemecke / Leave a comment

As a computer science teacher, when I teach coding to my students, it is important to me that I would be able to incorporate play while learning the codes. It was terrific how Douglas Thomas mentioned using scratch in his book on learning to code, which I can attest is true; students tend to understand coding using blocks, shapes, and colors, and my students play and understand the concept. I am amazed how my students were imaginative enough to be able to resolve coding exercises. I also agree that a person who wants to learn something new will be successful as the learner is passionate enough, willing to do hard work, and is already claiming success in that learner’s mind. As a learner, I am the same thing. I put my all in once I decided I wanted to learn, and I will ensure that I will put my 100% effort. I believe I am proactive as a teacher; I give freedom to my students to learn something new, discover the world, and remind them to be careful with their choices. I believe that having a relationship with my students makes them calm and feel welcome. I always tell them that I am here to teach them, make them grow, and hopefully succeed as learners.

My only regret is that sometimes due to school grading requirements, I have to create quizzes or tests that do not really showcase their individual learning as it falls on the numerical grading. However, I am not losing hope; I know one day, I will be able to showcase all my learning plans and styles and to be able to create a significant learning environment for all of my students. I acknowledge that I am working on progress too. I want to grow, as I know that it will help my students to grow and be better versions of themselves.

I agree with Dr. H that technology is a tool that helps us solve a problem, but the most significant role is a teacher. As a teacher, I have many roles to fulfill, but the most important is to coach and evaluate my students. I believe my part is to groom my students. Like plants, as Dr. Tony Bates mentioned, I can provide them with a significant learning environment, taking account of their differences, and give a more profound understanding for them to grow as learners.

Bates, T. (Dec. 14, 2015). Building Effective Learning Environments. https://youtu.be/3xD_sLNGurA

Harapnuik, D. (2015, May 9). Creating significant learning environments (CSLE).

TEDx Talks. (2012, September 13). A New Culture of Learning, Douglas Thomas at TEDxUFM [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lM80GXlyX0U