Am I in a (dis)comfort zone?

Research has demonstrated that having a growth mindset toward learning can improve resilience and a students’ ability to succeed. A growth mindset is reflected through a passion for learning, not a hunger for approval; people don’t see themselves as failing, but as learning.

After the video, you’ll have a chance to talk with a peer to reflect on connections to your own experiences. As you watch, what resonates with you? 

Pair activity

• Talk with your partner about what resonated in the video in the context of the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab:

  • Pick one area that was either inside or outside of your comfort zone.

  • What do you think is contributing to your (dis)comfort?

• After about 5 minutes, you'll report out by 

  • introducing yourself: name, pronouns

  • debriefing your partner's Fimbel (dis)comfort zone and (time-permitting) a possible factor for why

On your web site, create a reflection entry. 

Write a reflection (4-6 paragraphs) on how self-efficacy and mindset contribute to your level of (dis)comfort with an activity. Use the prompts below to guide your reflection.

• Consider your academic journey. How have self-efficacy and mindset played a role? Maybe in the courses you have (not) taken or co-curricular activities you have (not) participated in?

• Choose one of the 6 tech projects from below and consider creating a comparable project in this class. What role are self-efficacy and mindset playing in your reaction to them?

Here are some takeaways for the topics:

Self-efficacy

• • Your belief in your ability to succeed at a task is influenced by your current skills, past experiences and availability of resources. How do these factor into your self-efficacy for a task or activity?

  • You can increase self-efficacy by noticing small successes. Can you imagine building upon them?

  • Self-efficacy can be impacted by comparing yourself to other people. Are you making a fair social comparison?

Mindset

• Perhaps you have found yourself thinking, "No way I can do this. I'm not a _____ person." or "This is totally up my alley! I've always been a _____ person." This self-talk is indicative of a fixed mindset.

• Compare this with "I can't do this... yet." or "With practice, I'll be able to do ____." These phrases are indicative of a growth mindset.

• When you believe that you can get better with practice, you are embracing a growth mindset instead of a fixed mindset.