1. Fixed vs. dynamic mindset Descriptions excerpted from Carol Dweck’s Mindset and Peter H. Johnston’s Opening Minds

2. What is your mindset?  60-45 pointsStrong dynamic mindset  44-34 pointsDynamic mindset with some fixed ideas  33-21 pointsFixed mindset with some dynamic ideas  20-0 pointsStrong fixed mindset

3. Fixed Dynamic Believes intelligence and abilities are static Believes intelligence and abilities can be developed and cultivated

4. Fixed Dynamic Gets defensive or gives up easily when faced with challenges Is persistent in the face of setbacks

5. Fixed Dynamic The most important information is whether one is successful. It shows who is smart and more valuable. “How” is irrelevant The most important information is “how” someone did (or could do) something, because that’s what we can learn from

6. Fixed Dynamic  Everything is about the outcome  Values what is being done regardless of the outcome

7. Fixed Dynamic  Learning goal is to look as smart as possible  Learning goal is to learn as much possible

8. Fixed Dynamic  Feels intelligent when no mistakes are made or something is finished fast and is perfect  Feels intelligent when something is hard, effort is made, and the person can do something s/he couldn’t do before or starts to figure something out

9. Fixed Dynamic  Avoids challenges  Embraces challenges as opportunities for growth

10. Fixed Dynamic  Views difficulty as failure, questions ability, assigns blame for failure, and ceases acting strategically  Encounters difficulty and engages in self- monitoring and self- instruction, increases strategic efforts, and doesn’t see self as failing. Consciously builds a toolbox for problem- solving success. Sees learning as a process in which shortfalls are necessary to success and deep understanding.

11. This course  is shaped by the belief that difficulty will be an element in a lot of the writing and reading we do  is designed with the belief that you are capable of that hard work with support: you will learn strategies for negotiating difficulty as both writers and readers

12. This class, cont’d  You may at times be uncomfortable in this class if you find yourself on the fixed mindset side of the continuum  Frustration = being stuck, which is not productive  Inquiry = asking questions about why you are uncomfortable or frustrated, and seeking support for learning new strategies

13. I am a resource Feeling confused is often a normal part of learning something new or being asked to do something in a new way. It’s not a reflection that you aren’t capable, but instead a sign that you may need different or extra support and strategies. Don’t stay stuck in frustration or confusion. Please come see me!