The Digital Learning & Leading program at Lamar University implements current educational techniques that are tried and true. The two that continue to have the most impact to me and my education, are the implementation of growth mindset and the COVA learning frame. Already I see these methods impacting both how I learn and how I teach. The DL&L program here at Lamar is focused on providing a personal, and authentic learning experience for all, and they accomplish through utilization of ideals such as having a growth mindset and providing learners with choice, ownership, voice and authenticity (COVA).
The first step to being successful, not only in this program, but in life, is adopting a growth mindset. Carol Dweck (2006) says that the Growth Mindset, "...is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts, your strategies, and help from others." (pg. 7). Thinking with this mindset is the reason beyond many peoples success, much like Josh Waitzkin, an international chess champion who mastered jiu jitsu. "He realized he had learned how to grow and succeed and he could apply that understanding to other domains." (Briceno, 0:53 - 1:00). This realization allowed him to succeed in anything he put his mind to, demonstrating his growth mindset. If you're trying to succeed, adopting the growth mindset is vital to that, because without it, with a fixed mindset, you limit your own possibilities. Terry Waghorn (2009) even said that a fixed mindset "means success is all about showing how smart or talented you are. It's all about validating yourself. Something new is something to be avoided, as it may expose weakness." (paras. 3). Success isn't something that ever comes easy, in fact I think "The key to success is to focus on the goals not the obstacles." (Anonymous, 2020). Once you're able to focus on your goal, such as completing your master's in education, obstacles become expected, and overcome, instead of stopping your progress. With success also comes failure, but it's important to fail forward. Realizing that failure is imminent, and in fact, "Failure isn't fatal; in fact, it is REQUIRED for innovation success..." (Maddock, paras. 6). Learner's that adopt a growth mindset, will be successful, especially when the principle of COVA is used in the classroom, much like it is in the DL&L program. Dwayne Harapnuik says that, "...the elements of the COVA approach to learning which include choice, ownership, and voice through authentic activities or assignments are based on well-established and widely accepted active learning principles." (paras. 2). The COVA approach allows for the learner to have a personalized learning experience, because of the elements such as choice and ownership. Barbara Bray says that personalized learning is "...built on the idea that each learner is unique and learns in different ways." (paras. 1). Since each individual learns differently, it would then make sense that learners should have the opportunity to express their knowledge in a way that makes sense to them and helps them learn as they create. In conclusion, as I continue my journey with my Master's in Education, I know that my learning will continue to evolve because of the growth mindset, and the COVA structure. When I do fail I will ensure that I fail forward, that is learning from my failures. These ideals will ensure for my success, and I am enthusiastic of what I know I can accomplish through this program. Links to my Educational Works https://cschmedthorstportfolio.weebly.com/growth-mindset.html https://cschmedthorstportfolio.weebly.com/educational-beliefs.html https://cschmedthorstportfolio.weebly.com/learning-networks-blog.html References Anonymous. (2020) Scattered quotes. Retrieved from: https://scatteredquotes.com/key-to-success-is-focus-on-goals/ Bray, B. (2014). Personalize your learning environment. Retrieved from: https://www.iste.org/explore/In-the-classroom/Personalize-your-learning-environment?articleid=11 Briceno, E. (2018). The power of belief. Youtube. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc&feature=youtu.be Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset the new psychology of success. New York, NY: Ballatine Books Harapnuik, D. (2018). COVA. Retrieved from: http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991 Maddock, M. (2012). If you have to fail -- and you do -- fail forward. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemaddock/2012/10/10/if-you-have-to-fail-and-you-do-fail-forward/#32d2a4d958e5 Waghorn, J. (2009). Are you trapped in a fixed mindset? fix it! Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/2009/04/20/mindset-psychology-succcess-leadership-careers-dweck.html#24f6505f11ad
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Throughout my life I've faced a lot of adversary to get to where I am, I struggled with poverty and constant negativity towards my success from family. I originally chose to pursue the Digital Learning & Leading at Lamar because I figured I could learn more about technology, prove the naysayers wrong, and then upon completion get paid more. However, now that I've started the program I have a bit different perspective over my 'why'. The introduction of growth mindset and the COVA approach are two things that helped shift my views, not only did they allow me to see how to accomplish things that I felt were out of my grasp, I felt like a kid again as my imagination and creativity were able to flow as I created my masterpiece.
The final assignment of the first course in the DLL program is creating the main structure for an E-portfolio. The website I have built is something that utilizes the COVA principles: Choice, Ownership, Voice, & Authenticity. I not only got to choose how to present my material, I have ownership over my creations, my opinions and thoughts are voiced throughout, and lastly it's truly authentic for the fact that it uses my learning methods to both teach me and demonstrate my knowledge at the same time. |
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April 2020
AuthorCaitlin Schmedthorst |