Monday, September 15, 2014

FRESHMAN YEAR: Fixed/Growth Mindset

  Fixed mindset? Growth mindset? Before I go and ramble on about whether I have a fixed or growth mindset in each of my classes, I think I should define those terms for you. A fixed mindset is when someone believes that their success is based on their natural abilities. It's not a development of work, and they are just naturally smart or not. A growth mindset is when you believe you gradually become smart. It's something you have you work at, rather than just being born with the abilities.
  My first class of A day is English. I think I have a growth mindset in there, but their are some aspects of a fixed mindset. You can definitely work on your writing and become better at it. I honestly don't think anyone is born with amazing writing abilities. The more you read, and practice writing, the bigger your lexicon will get and your writing will sound more fluent. If you depend on your natural ability, you probably won't get very far. But I will admit, being creative really helps in writing. I, personally, am the least creative person on this planet, so it's really hard to think of interesting topics to write about, when asked. Creativity is just one of those skills you can't develop with practice, you either have it or don't.

  My second class is geometry. I've never had geometry before, but with my past experience in other math classes, I feel like I have a fixed mindset. My brain does good with numbers, and if you explain a lesson to me, I'll understand. I've never needed extra help, and it just makes sense to me. Some people really struggle in math and have to work hard at it, but i've never had to worry about it.

  My third class is physics. I have both a growth and fixed mindset for this class. I've always been good at science, probably one of the easiest subjects in my opinion. Before this year, I've had a fixed mindset, where I knew I was good at it. Now, in physics, I definitely have a more growth mindset. I've heard physics is really hard, especially for freshman, so that kind of scares me. It's probably going to be hard and I'm gonna have moments where I struggle, but i'm going to push myself to do my best.

  My last class of A day is government. I haven't had a government class before, so I wouldn't say I have a fixed mindset. It's definitely a more growth mindset, because I have no idea what to expect. I hear it has a lot to relate with history, but so far it's been kind of different. The class is more of a participation grade, rather than test and quiz. So, I'm going to work hard to speak-up in class and earn my "A".

  My first class of B-day is theatre. This is, hands down, a growth class. No one is amazing, and everyone has room to improve. In theatre, you become better with experience, and I believe you have to work at it. I think i'm a decent actor, but not amazing. I am determined to be the best and do everything I possibly can to get where I want to get. I, personally, believe in theatre that practice makes you perfect.

  The class I have after that, is AP US History. In history, I have a fixed mindset. History, every single year,  has literally been my highest scoring class. Im just really good with classes that consist of lectures and notes out the book. I guess my mind just likes that way of learning. I don't expect this year to be any different than the rest, even if it is a college class.

  My third class is Spanish 1, and I have a growth mindset in this class. You will literally fail every quiz/test if you don't study. If you do not know the material, you'll fail the class no doubt. This is my second year of Spanish 1, and I still study evert night before a quiz. You really have to work on pronunciation since the beginning to learn the language correctly. I think a lot of people underestimate how hard of class it is and how much work you actually have to put in.

  Finally, my last class is Speech. I have a growth mindset in this class. I know for a fact that I am not the best public speaker. I'm really fidgety in front of people and I say the words "like" and "um" too much. I tend to mumble at the end of my sentences and suck at eye contact with my audience. I'm determined to work on all those problems, and become a better public speaker.