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Embracing Growth: A Journey Unveiling Potential

Writer's picture: Shirelle BarnesShirelle Barnes

Updated: Apr 12, 2024

As I navigate through the intricate landscape of my learning journey in this program, the principles of a growth mindset, failing forward strategies, and the COVA learning approach emerge as guiding stars, clearing a path of continuous discovery and development. The growth mindset propels me to embrace challenges with enthusiasm, failing forward strategies equip me to turn setbacks into stepping stones, and the COVA learning approach empowers me to shape my educational narrative. In this journey of potential realized, every stumbling block is an opportunity to grow, every setback is a lesson, and every challenge is a chance for mastery. The program is not just a series of courses; it's a canvas where the creation of a growth mindset, failing forward, and COVA learning paint a picture of continuous, purposeful learning. While teaching 7th grade Science, I've observed that the basic instruction can be quite boring for the students and often times the teacher as well. To tackle this challenge, I've taken on the exciting task of crafting a vibrant learning environment that integrates STEM projects in the classroom. Here in my Innovation Summary you will find the ultimate goal of this initiative, which is to cultivate critical thinking skills, adaptability, and the practical application of knowledge to Scienc, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in real-world scenarios and hands on scenarios.



The Growth Mindset Unveiled:

Embracing a growth mindset has been transformative. It's more than just a philosophy; it's a lens through which I view challenges and opportunities alike. As I encounter new concepts and face intricate tasks, the belief that my abilities can evolve with effort becomes the cornerstone of my approach. Each hurdle is not a roadblock but a stepping stone, and the word "yet" resonates as a beacon of optimism, reminding me that learning is a journey, not a destination. Implementation in STEM, explores how a Growth Mindset transforms challenges in STEM projects into opportunities for learning and growth. Students develop resilience and a positive attitude towards complex problem-solving.


Failing Forward as a Catalyst for Progress:

Failure is no longer a source of fear but a catalyst for progress. Failing forward strategies have instilled a sense of resilience in my learning process. Each stumble becomes a chance to refine, iterate, and ultimately, leap forward. The fear of making mistakes is replaced by the excitement of learning from them. It's a mindset shift that fuels a cycle of improvement and propels me towards mastery.


COVA Learning: Empowering Ownership:

The COVA learning approach has redefined my role in the learning experience. It's not about passively receiving information but actively shaping and owning my educational journey. The freedom to choose, the empowerment to voice my ideas, and the engagement in authentic, real-world challenges have given me a sense of ownership that resonates profoundly with my commitment to continuous improvement. The COVA (Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Learning) learning approach resonates with my commitment to taking ownership of my learning. It empowers me to make meaningful choices, use my voice, and engage in authentic learning experiences. This aligns with the principles of my Learning Manifesto.


Impact on STEM Education:

In the realm of STEM education, these principles find fertile ground. The intricate nature of STEM projects demands a growth mindset—seeing complexities as opportunities for growth. Failing forward is not a setback but a method to refine hypotheses and approaches. The COVA approach aligns seamlessly with the dynamic, hands-on nature of STEM, empowering me to take charge of my learning in a field that constantly evolves.


Here's to the exciting chapters ahead, where challenges become triumphs, failures become victories, and each step forward is a testament to the power of a growth-oriented mindset.


References


Harapnuik, D. K., Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018). Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic Learning Opportunities. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=7291


Maxwell, J. (2011, June 11). Failing forward. The John Maxwell Company. https://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/failing-forward/


Dweck, C. S. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of Success. Ballantine Books.

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