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Teaching That Changes Lives

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Teaching That Changes Lives

12 Mindset Tools for Igniting the Love of Learning

Berrett-Koehler,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Your mind-set affects how well you listen, learn and relate to others. Change it to be a more effective teacher.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Education consultant Marilee Adams discusses teachers and administrators who function with either an open, positive, curious “Learner mind-set” or a negative, closed and apathetic “Judger mind-set.” Adams explains how an administrator or teacher’s point of view affects learning, intelligence and conflict management. Adding 12 useful attitude-shaping tools in a 30-page workbook at the back of the volume, Adams presents a parable about a sixth-grade teacher who considers quitting teaching. Her mentor heightens her dedication, teaches her about mind-sets and challenges, and inspires her to change her mental approach so that she can become a better teacher. getAbstract recommends Adams’s helpful guidance to K-12 teachers, university professors, as well as school principals and education administrators.

Summary

Asking Questions

Emma Shepherd wondered why she went into teaching. She co-taught a combined fifth and sixth grade classroom with Carmen Santiago, an experienced teacher’s assistant. Shepherd’s first year went well. During her second year, she grew frustrated. Shepherd had doubts about teaching. She was distracted and overwhelmed by extra duties. Managing a class of 34 students was stressful. She and Santiago kept butting heads. Shepherd didn’t feel connected to her students.

Seeking a solution, she met with her principal and explained that her passion for teaching was waning. The principal suggested that she meet with Dr. Sophie Goodwin, an education professor who mentors teachers. Goodwin turned out to be Shepherd’s own former sixth-grade teacher.

“Learner Mind-sets” versus “Judger Mind-Sets”

Shepherd was intrigued by Goodwin’s screensaver, “The Choice Map.” It showed a person standing where two paths meet: the Learner mind-set and the Judger mind-set. Goodwin explained that all students have questions, thoughts and feelings that affect their attitudes. They can choose to become open to learning, to blame others or to judge themselves harshly. Goodwin...

About the Author

Professor and coach Marilee Adams also wrote The Art of the Question, a psychology textbook, and Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, a book of business advice.

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