Student Ability

After reading the book about growth and fixed mindsets (Dweck, 2007), I am inclined to believe that students have the ability to succeed if they so desire. I believe all students are capable of learning given the right mindset and the right environment. The right environment can be at home or in school. For example, I have a mom that’s a math teacher so I got a very solid foundation at home. For other people who can’t have that kind of help at home, teachers can help create that right environment in the classroom.

To create this type of environment, a teacher can use various teaching strategies. Teachers can accommodate the various types of learners by speaking a lot to audio learners and using diagrams and drawings for visual learners. Teachers can also use techniques to help learners with disabilities including color-coding, peer/cross-age tutoring, and use of calculators (Maccini & Gagnon, 2006).

I believe that students can show how well they are learning, but it might not be in the same exact way. Some people are strong writers and some people are strong singers. Although everyone does have the ability to grow stronger in abilities they are weaker in (Dweck, 2007), it can be easier for one to express oneself using abilities they are strong in. For example, when two students understand something equally, one may express it in words while the other expresses it in pictures.

To ensure my students have the opportunity to express their learning, I will include various dimensions to my assessments. On tests, I will include a variety of test questions including critical-thinking questions, multiple-choice questions, and essay prompts. For projects, I will give students a flexibility to choose what they would want to do whether it be creating a mural, writing a skit, or writing a rap song. By using a variety of assessments, I will keep from being biased by only using one assessment type over and over again.

References

Dweck, C.S. (2007). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Ballantine.

Maccini, P., & Gagnon, J.C. (2006). Mathematics Instructional Practices and Assessment Accommodations by Secondary Special and General Educators. Exceptional Children, 72(2), 217-234.