Growth Mindset

The Stanford University video podcast discussed "Growth vs. Fixed" mindsets in learning. Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychology professor, discussed the results of teaching the growth mindset. Students were divided into two groups. The first was taught the growth mindset. They were taught that the brain is a muscle that can get stronger and new connections can be made. The second group was taught study skills. The second group did not improve much and there was not much motivation. The first group, who was taught how to apply the growth mindset to schoolwork, showed significant improvement.
Dr. Dweck also discussed how the growth mindset can be applied to other areas. Race car drivers who have this mindset gave optimal performance. The growth mindset can also be applied in business. It teaches to admit mistakes then overcome them.
I like the growth mindset idea. As a PE teacher, I can teach my students that hard work can be greater than talent. It is important to not teach students something that they are not ready for because they will be overwhelmed. They don't have to worry about making mistakes, just figuring out what to do with them. When students believe that they can push the limits on their abilities, they will reach their fullest potential.

ItunesU Videos

I watched two videos about coral reefs and one about a solar eclipse. The videos were interesting. I love watching the all fish and coral in the reef. There are so many different types of wildlife that are unique and unusual. I would love to see it for myself one day. The video talked about how the different creatures have different responsibilities. Some are carnivorous and eat other fish. Some keep the algae in check by feeding on the coral.
The solar eclipse video talked about what a solar eclipse is and how it happens. The video stated that the moon is 400xs smaller than the sun and 400xs closer to the sun. An umbra is the part of the shadow where a full eclipse can be seen. A penumbra is where a partial eclipse can be seen.
The videos were full of information and could be very useful in the classroom. But, while watching them, I had flashbacks of watching those boring PBS movies in elementary school. All I can remember from them is getting a good nap. While it is not always possible to experience the lesson in person, (I don't think a field trip to a coral reef will happen too often), hands-on learning seems to be more memorable. I will never forget what it felt like to hold an octopus at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.
The solar eclipse movie did seem like it could be helpful. It was short and not full of too much information. I think it could be a good way to reinforce a lesson. If the videos are interesting to the children, they can be a great asset in the classroom.

Learning Outside the Classroom

After watching The Edible Schoolyard and A Night in The Global Village, I was impressed with the programs. I love that children are given the opportunity to experience hands-on learning.
The Edible Schoolyard taught the students how to grow and prepare food. Children are taught science, health and other subject matter while getting the hands-on experience that is so important. It is also a good way to teach responsibility by caring for the plants daily.
A Night in the Global Village was a great idea. The students were taught about the living situations of people from all over the world. They are given the opportunity to step out of the "American" box and learn about the viewpoints of others. The children will never forget their experiences and it will make them better people in the future.
The students in the videos were taught multiple lessons in unconventional ways. Students should be able to step out of the classroom every now and then to learn hands-on lessons. A hands-on lesson can be used to combine subjects. The experiences will probably be remembered much longer than the daily lectures the students hear.

Podcasts

Listening to the podcasts made me very nervous about my class podcast. I don't think I have ever talked continuously for that long. I don't know how everyone kept the conversation going. i realize I will have to be prepared with notes.
One thing I did not like about podcasts is having to listen for that long. I am definitely a visual learner and podcasts do not hold my attention for long.
I liked the Kidcast idea that "Questions Make the World Go Round", but listening to one person talk the whole time got to be boring. My favorite was probably This Week in Photography. The first guy whom I'm assuming is the host brought in someone who knew a lot about the printers used by photographers.
The podcasts were kind of like radio talk shows. The people were there because they had knowledge and experience about their topic. I think it is better with more than one person because they can help each other and add ideas and topics. I don't think I am a huge fan of podcasting, but I will still try to listen to them in the future.

Dr. Strange Italy pic

 

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture

Randy Pausch's Last Lecture on childhood dreams was full of many points that can inspire and encourage everyone. Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon. He created the ALICE program that teaches computer programing to students. It uses the "head fake" and teaches the students while they don't really even realize that they are learning, they are just having fun on the computer. He died from pancreatic cancer on July 25, 2008. He was married with three children.
One point that Mr. Pausch made was about brick walls. He said the brick walls are not there to keep us out, they are there to let us prove how badly we want something. What an awesome way to view a challenge!
Mr. Pausch talked about his childhood dreams that came true. His dreams included being in zero gravity, being Captain Kirk, being a Disney Imagineer, as well as others. He talked about each dream and how it came true or, in the case of being Captain Kirk, was tweaked slightly and came true a different way.
Mr. Pausch spoke about enabling the dreams of others. He was able to start programs that opened opportunities for students, teachers, and many others. He has inspired countless people with this one lecture alone.
Mr. Pausch lecture was educational and entertaining. He maintained a light-hearted tone and had the audience laughing and intrigued. He talked about inspiring others and finding the good in people. Randy Pausch's lecture was a pleasure to watch.