CUNY Academic Commons

Thank you Tim Leonard for organizing the breakout room (Purpose) and I agree with what was said. I agree with Angela Padila (Physics) that is our responsibility to motivate the students.

I completely agree with the quote, but only if one takes the time to reflect.

Hi Elizabeth, I appreciate your perspective on community learning. Your example of the reading group on contract grading highlights how collaborative experimentation can lead to significant improvements in teaching practices. Building a community where educators support and inspire each other is crucial for fostering innovation and positive change…[Read more]

Tim, I completely agree with you. Sharing our processes and experiences with students can foster a supportive learning environment. By demonstrating our own growth and learning, we emphasize that education is a collaborative journey. It’s essential to create a classroom culture where everyone feels involved and empowered to learn from each other.

The discussions on creating an intentional welcome for students at the beginning of the semester highlight thoughtful and innovative approaches to fostering a sense of belonging and easing student anxiety. Each of these practices not only makes students feel welcomed and valued but also significantly contributes to creating a classroom environment…[Read more]

Hello everyone,

The diversity of strategies discussed here for fostering a growth mindset through course policies and activities is truly insightful and reflects a deep commitment to enhancing student learning and engagement.

Carrie, the introduction of SMART goals at the beginning of the semester is a potent tool for giving students ownership…[Read more]

The strategies shared here are truly inspiring and highlight a variety of approaches to help students connect course content to their personal and future lives. This discussion not only showcases innovative teaching methods but also reflects a deep understanding of how to engage students in meaningful learning experiences.

Each of these…[Read more]

This thread captures the essence of why cultivating a growth mindset is not just beneficial but essential for educators. It’s clear that when educators adopt this mindset, they’re better equipped to innovate in their teaching practices and more effectively support their students’ learning journeys.

The collective wisdom here underscores a…[Read more]

The strategies discussed here for fostering a growth mindset in educational settings are truly inspiring. Carrie, your approach to addressing negative self-talk and helping both educators and students identify their vision and action plan is crucial. It’s a reminder that growth starts with understanding our own barriers and actively working to…[Read more]

Thank you for highlighting the importance of fostering a community of growth mindset among faculty and staff. In response to your query about building such a community, I find that informal, cross-departmental discussions can be incredibly effective. These discussions can be centered around sharing experiences, challenges, and best practices in…[Read more]

I appreciate your perspective on the importance of the skills developed through higher education, beyond just the specific content taught in classes like college algebra. It’s encouraging to hear that you also emphasize these broader educational benefits in your teaching.

In response to your question about student reactions: Generally, students…[Read more]

Indeed, while the external motivation to better serve my students drives a lot of my effort to keep up with technology, there are intrinsic rewards that come with this struggle as well. Mastering new digital tools brings a significant sense of personal achievement and keeps me mentally agile. Each small victory over a new software or platform…[Read more]

This thread offers a treasure trove of innovative methods to connect with students personally and academically, fostering a deeper understanding of their backgrounds, interests, and aspirations. Narendra’s approach of sharing personal life experiences and inviting students to do the same creates an open and reciprocal learning environment, which…[Read more]

This discussion underscores the importance of how we frame challenges and the language we use to describe them. Emphasizing learning and growth over simple success or failure can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment that encourages all students to persist and succeed.

Thanks for sharing your insights and strategies!

Reflecting on the rich experiences shared here, I am struck by the varied ways we all approach cultivating a growth mindset in ourselves and in those we teach or advise. The openness to constructive criticism that Carrie mentioned is a foundational aspect of embracing growth. J. Elizabeth, the way you incorporate feedback into metacognitive…[Read more]

I resonate deeply with both of your approaches. Starting with the end goal in mind is a powerful method to inspire students to envision their future and map out the steps to achieve their aspirations. This not only enhances their motivation but also sharpens their focus on overcoming obstacles they may encounter along the way.

Kevin, your point…[Read more]

What do you all think about integrating this discussion into our teaching practices? Could we perhaps start by sharing personal stories of overcoming setbacks with our students to model this growth mindset?

Seth, you bring home the importance of the support system in learning from these setbacks. It’s one thing to fall, but another to have the right tools and encouragement to get back up. Your analogy with college algebra students not only highlights the role of feedback but also the critical need for a nurturing environment that turns setbacks into…[Read more]

Danesh, your take on redefining failure as an “unchallenged obstacle” adds a dynamic twist to the conversation. It’s like saying every misstep is just an unfinished sentence in our success story.

Carrie, I’m with you on exploring alternative terms like “setbacks” to frame challenges in a more growth-oriented light. It’s all about the narrative we build around our experiences, isn’t it?