Praising the Process: See it in Action

Summary

The video emphasizes fostering a growth mindset in students through the writer's workshop model. Teachers guide students in setting small, achievable writing goals and focus on praising the process rather than the product. By doing so, students are encouraged to reflect on their progress, internalize constructive feedback, and build resilience in their learning. The video also highlights the importance of self-talk, goal-setting, and using tools like checklists to help students improve their writing skills. This approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Takeaways

• 📝 **Emphasize Process Over Product**: Praise the process of writing rather than the final product to foster a growth mindset.
• 🎯 **Set Small, Achievable Goals**: Encourage students to set and reach small goals to improve their writing step by step.
• 🗣️ **Make Characters Come Alive**: Guide students to make their characters move and talk vividly to engage readers.
• 👥 **Peer Collaboration**: Use peer collaboration to provide feedback and help each other meet their writing goals.
• 📖 **Modeling and Visualization**: Use modeling and visual aids to teach students about growth mindset and writing goals.
• 👂 **Listen to Partners**: Encourage active listening to partners' feedback and incorporate it into their writing process.
• ⏰ **Time Management**: Allocate specific time for students to work on their writing goals and revise their work.
• 🔍 **Authentic Praise**: Spend time reviewing students' work to provide genuine and specific praise for their efforts.
• 📈 **Reflect and Grow**: Encourage students to reflect on their mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth.
• 📋 **Use of Checklists**: Utilize writing checklists to help students evaluate their work and identify areas for improvement.
• 🗣️ **Self-Direction**: Teach students to give themselves directions and set personal goals to guide their writing.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the writing workshop model discussed in the script?

The writing workshop model focuses on promoting a growth mindset by emphasizing the writing process and the habits of mind needed to be a writer. It encourages students to set small, manageable goals to improve their writing incrementally.

How does setting small goals benefit students in their writing process?

Setting small goals helps students focus on specific aspects of their writing, enabling them to make progress step by step. It also fosters a sense of accomplishment as they reach each goal, which supports the development of a growth mindset.

What is 'process praise,' and why is it important in a growth mindset classroom?

Process praise is the practice of praising students for the strategies and efforts they use in their work rather than just the final product. It helps students focus on what they did well during the process, encouraging continuous growth and learning.

Why is it important to praise the process rather than the product?

Praising the process helps students understand the strategies and efforts that led to success, which they can replicate in future tasks. It shifts the focus from merely achieving a good result to understanding how they got there, fostering resilience and adaptability.

How does process praise contribute to students internalizing a growth mindset?

Process praise encourages students to reflect on their own efforts and strategies, helping them develop a language for self-assessment. This reflection allows them to recognize areas of growth and feel confident in their ability to improve through effort and practice.

How does the teacher prepare for individual writing conferences with students?

The teacher spends time reviewing each student's work before conferences to identify specific areas for praise and growth. This preparation allows the teacher to give targeted feedback and make the praise authentic and meaningful.

What role do visuals play in supporting students' growth in the classroom?

Clear visuals of goals are used in the classroom to remind students of their objectives. These visuals help students stay focused on their growth and provide a reference point for both the teacher and students during the writing process.

What strategies are recommended for teachers to effectively give process praise?

Teachers are encouraged to script out what they want to say in advance and carry a cheat sheet to help guide their praise. This ensures that the praise is specific and focused on the student's process rather than generic feedback.

How does self-talk play a role in teaching students about the writing process?

Self-talk modeling by the teacher helps students see how to approach challenges and reflect on their own thinking during the writing process. It provides students with examples of how to work through difficulties and stay focused on their goals.

How does teaching growth mindset in the classroom extend beyond academic learning?

Teaching growth mindset helps students develop skills like resilience, self-reflection, and the ability to take on challenges. These skills are valuable not only in academic settings but also in their lives beyond the classroom, as they learn to apply these principles in various aspects of life.