About Mindset
- Tamara Gayle-Turner
- Aug 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5, 2024
Welcome To MLSCI 3351
Learning and skill development are critical components of this course. In today's rapidly changing world, adapting and learning is crucial. The recent pandemic highlighted the reality that healthcare practitioners are also affected by fluctuations and uncertainties in the political and economic environment, resulting in shifts in job market conditions. Additionally, frequent re-organisation resulting in significant changes is a characteristic element of healthcare (Alsop, 2013). Seeing learning as an investment is imperative as you progress throughout this course and transition into professional practice. This post will explore the concept of Mindsets. Three mindsets are highlighted: fixed, growth, and a learner's mindset.
Moving from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth and Learner's Mindset
Shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, and eventually to a learner's mindset, can unlock our potential and transform our approach to challenges and setbacks. These mindset shifts matter; the good news is that they can be cultivated at anytime in the learning journey. To begin your mindset journey, completed the questionnaire below to determine your current mindset:
Fixed Mindset
A fixed mindset is characterised by the belief that intelligence and abilities are static traits that cannot change. An example of this mindset would be: " always have been a B student and always will be a B student" People with a fixed mindset often avoid challenges, give up quickly, and feel threatened by the success of others. The may believe that effort is futile if they lack innate talent (Dweck, 2006).
Growth Mindset
A growth mindset embraces the idea that abilities and intelligence can be developed with commitment and hard work. This perspective fosters a love for learning and resilience, as individuals see effort as path to mastery. As a healthcare professional, envision this as the journey from being a novice to an expert within professional practice. People with growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to grow, learn from the opinion of others about them, and find inspiration in other's success (Dweck, 2015). Research in cognitive science reveals that thinking and learning change the physical structures and functional organisation of the brain resulting in brain neuroplasticity (Galvan, 2010). Learning literally grows the brain.
Learner's Mindset
The learner's mindset builds upon the growth mindset by focusing on the process of learning itself. It emphasises curiosity, open-mindedness, and the joy of discovery. Individuals with a learner's mindset are not just focused on achieving outcomes but also on enjoying the journey of acquiring new knowledge and skills
(Courous, 2015). These individuals make learning an occupation throughout the course of life (Alsop, 2013).
The Shift from Never to Not Yet
MLSCI 3351 Practical Strategies to Cultivate a Shift from Fixed Mindset
Reflection and Self Assessment Regularly reflect on learning experiences, and assess areas for improvement(learning gaps). This practice help in recognising and challenging fixed mindset thoughts (Dweck, 2016). Schedule time for weekly review of learning activities in the course. There will be opportunities to engage in self-assessments to gauge your progress throughout the course.
Seek Feedback Actively seek feedback and use it to grow. Embrace feedback as a tool for learning rather than a personal attack (2015, Dweck). Use the posted in- office hours for touchpoint on learning concerns in the course.
Set Learning Goals Use the leaning objectives of each unit to develop a set of personal learning goals centred around learning and content mastery instead of focusing solely on performance goal of grade achievement. This will encourage continuous growth and reduce fear of failure.
Celebrate Effort and Progress Throughout
Keep the big picture of learning in mind. Acknowledge and celebrate the effort invested in learning, not just the end results. This reinforces the value of persistence and hard work.
The Impact of Mindset Shifts
Transitioning to a growth mindset and eventually to a learner's mindset has far reaching benefits. It will not only enhance academic pursuits now, but it will influence future professional achievements and improve personal well-being. A learner's mindset, fosters a love for lifelong learning, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for the process of growth and development (Denworth, 2019). As we embrace these mindset shifts, we open ourselves to new possibilities and greater fulfilment. By cultivating a growth and learner's mindset, we can better navigate the complexities of life and thrive in an ever-changing world.
References
Alsop, A.(2013). Continuing professional development in health and social care: Strategies for lifelong learning. John Wiley & Sons.
Couros, G. (2015). The innovator's mindset: Empower learning, unleash talent, and lead a culture of creativity. Dave Burgess Consulting Inc.
Denworth, L. (2019). Debate arises over teaching and growth mindsets to motivate students. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/debate-arises-over-teaching-growth-mindsets-to-motivate-students/
Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck revisits the "growth mindset." Education Week. Education Week
Dweck, C. (2016a, January 11). Recognizing and overcoming a false growth mindset. Edutopia. Edutopia
Dweck, C. (2016b, January 13). What having a "growth mindset" actually Means. Harvard Business Review. Harvard Business Review
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Penguin Random House.
Galván A. Neural plasticity of development and learning. Hum Brain Mapp. 2010 Jun;31(6):879-90. doi: 10.1002/hbm.21029. PMID: 20496379; PMCID: PMC6871182.
Learner's Mindset Strategy Summary
Update: Harrison (2021 ) 7 step process that incorporate Elements of a Great Lesson is an abbreviated version of Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction.
Formative Feedback Instrument
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