Chapter 2-Innovator's Mindset

For a couple of years the district I work in has talked about and taught about having a growth mindset.  We've gone into detail at staff in-services and with our students in classes about the differences between fixed and growth mindsets.  Reading Chapter 2, in The Innovator's Mindset, was the first time I have ever heard about the "next level" of mindsets...innovator.  The power and limitless possibilities when you take the belief that abilities and talents can be developed and not just solve current problems but create new and better ideas was mind blowing.  It's not just about acquiring knowledge but about creating something with that new found knowledge.  This is a skill that employers are looking for so shouldn't we be teaching and expecting it of our students?

When we teach about having a growth mindset and developing grit in our students we tell that failure isn't to be feared or avoided but instead that it is what they do with the failure that matters.  Every failure is a chance to get back up and try again.  Many students are programed to fear failure and rejection and avoid it at all costs.  I would argue that the students that never embrace failure as a learning tool in school will struggle as adults in the "real world" where failure abounds.  Many of the lessons I teach require students to ask questions and try things before I spoon feed them the answers.  This draws students into the learning process and make them take ownership of their education.  I tell all classes on day one that I want them to fail and that I will work with them to make their failure into their success stories.  While I don't want student's failing tests and big assignments I do allow a safe place to try experiments and redo projects to learn.  There is a fine line and balance between giving too many chances and providing a safe place to fail and that depends on each student and where they are at in the process of developing a growth mindset.