Most of us have some area where we still think of our abilities in Fixed Mindset terms. But the beauty of developing Growth Mindset habits is that you can apply them to further developing a Growth Mindset!
If you are noticing a lot of areas where you still have a Fixed Mindset, know that you are not alone and there is always still time to adjust the way you think of yourself.
No matter how you think about your abilities, your mindset journey isn't over and there will still be plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
People come to the content in this course with a wide range of personal experiences and attitudes. Making note of how you're thinking about the course can help you identify areas where your mindset might hinder your growth. Try answering the following questions:
Before you began, how did you feel about completing a course focused on identity inclusive educational practices? After exploring this first topic, has your attitude changed at all?
Looking at the topics to come (Emotional Intelligence, Effective Feedback, Identity, Belonging) which of them are you most eager to start? Do any of them make you anxious or uncomfortable? Do you expect any of them to take you outside your Comfort Zone?
Are you aware of any obstacles that might make completing this course more difficult? (This can include time management, the structure of the course, personal beliefs or past experiences with these topics, etc.) What strategies might you use to work around these obstacles?
Do you believe you are capable of learning from this course?
Many college students struggle with mental health. Especially when deadlines are looming, it's not unusual to see students prioritizing coursework over their wellbeing. However, taking care of yourself can not only leave you feeling better but also help you be more productive in the long run.
We encourage you to watch this video about Prioritizing Your Mental Health, especially if you haven't spent much time considering your own mental health.
Growth Mindset can be particularly helpful when it comes to finding time for joy, celebrating yourself, and treating yourself with compassion. Didn't get as much done as you had hoped, or got a lower grade than you wanted? It doesn't mean you're bad at being a student, and there's probably something you can learn from the experience. Not used to noticing and celebrating when you do something well? It's a skill that you still have time to learn. And, as a TA, it's something you can encourage the students you work with to do as well.
This leads nicely into our next topic, Emotional Intelligence. But before we move to a new topic, we'd love to hear about your experience with this one!