The Growth Mindset Coach Review

The Growth Mindset Coach Review


By: Adam Lane, Principal, Haines City High School


 


Today, I would like to highlight a book titled: The Growth Mindset Coach (2016), by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley. Annie is a k-12 innovation specialist in Holton, Kansas and she is the author of three books: Introduction to Google Classroom, The Growth Mindset Coach and The Growth Mindset Playbook. Heather is a middle school principal in Kansas, and she is the co-author of the books: The Growth Mindset Coach and The Growth Mindset Playbook.  The Growth Mindset Coach is a great read for all educational leaders who are looking to transition the way their staff and students look at challenges, learn from them and make improvements.

 

The initial foundation of this book starts with understanding the difference between two powerful mindsets. A Fixed Mindset, which is the belief that we’re born with a fixed amount of intelligence and ability, which leads to avoiding challenges and failures, thereby blocking a life rich in experience and learning, compared to a Growth Mindset, which is the belief that with practice, perseverance and effort, people have limitless potential to learn and grow, thereby taking challenges, unconcerned with making mistakes, focusing instead on the process of growth. “All students in your class should believe that the work they’re doing every day has a purpose, and that purpose should drive them to put forth the effort required to master it.” (p.97).

 

I purchased this book for my staff members and organized monthly professional learning communities (PLC’s), where we made presentations and had discussions on different topics from the book. Teachers would assume ownership of certain chapters, present to their peers and facilitate discussions. It is extremely beneficial to organize these book studies, as the growth mindset and learning process might look different from one subject area to another. “The most memorable and influential teachers were the ones who pushed and challenged their students.  These teachers made learning accessible and valued and emphasized the process of learning, not just the outcome.” (p.23). I can state that after this three-month book study, our teachers focused more on the experience of learning and making progress, while still considering the final expectation and meeting the standard.

 

I appreciate you, believe in you and thank you! Adam Lane - Principal - Haines City High School

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