During a recent staff development meeting, we delved into the concept of a growth mindset and its importance for our students. As educators, we’re constantly striving to instill a growth mindset in our classrooms, encouraging students to believe in their ability to improve and learn. But how often do we consider applying this mindset to ourselves as teachers?
In my second year of teaching with comprehensible input (CI), I’ve faced moments of frustration and self-doubt. There are times when activities don’t go as planned, or I feel overwhelmed by the advanced techniques used by others in the field. It’s easy to get discouraged, but it’s crucial to remember that growth is a continuous journey for both our students and ourselves.
Here are five strategies to help you maintain a growth mindset and overcome challenges in your teaching journey:
1. Connect with Fellow Educators
As a teacher often working alone, I find it incredibly valuable to connect with colleagues and fellow educators online. Sharing experiences and discussing new strategies can provide valuable insights and emotional support. Whether through face-to-face interactions or social media groups, these conversations can spark new ideas and reduce feelings of isolation.
Tip: If possible, collaborate with other World Language teachers in your department. Having a colleague nearby to share ideas and feedback can be immensely helpful.
2. Experiment with New Strategies
The world of teaching is full of innovative and engaging strategies. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different activities in your classroom. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Special Person Interviews
- Movie Talk/Clip Chat
- Picture Talk
- Games
- Free Voluntary Reading (FVR)
- Brain Breaks
For detailed explanations on implementing these activities, check out these blog posts:
- Special Person Interviews: Engaging with Your Students
- Movie Talk: Enhancing Comprehension Through Clips
- Picture Talk: Making Language Learning Visual
3. Utilize Online Resources
There are countless blogs and resources available to help you implement comprehensible input techniques. Even as a beginner, you can find a wealth of information to support your teaching practice. Here are some valuable blog posts to explore:
- Comprehensible Input 101: A Beginner’s Guide by SpanishMama
- Teaching CI with a Textbook by Srta Spanish
4. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity
It’s important to understand that not every activity will be a success. Some attempts might fail spectacularly, and that’s okay. Teaching is an ongoing process of trial and error. What may not work well with one group could be a hit with another. Reflect on what went wrong, make adjustments, and give it another shot. Remember, each failure is a step toward improvement.
5. Persist and Progress
Continue integrating CI strategies into your teaching. Over time, you will see the positive impact on your students’ ability to understand and use Spanish conversationally. Progress may be gradual, but each step forward is a testament to your dedication and hard work.
Having a growth mindset as a teacher means recognizing that improvement is an ongoing process. By connecting with colleagues, experimenting with new strategies, utilizing resources, embracing failure, and persisting in your efforts, you can enhance your teaching practice and foster a positive learning environment for your students.
Keep striving for progress over perfection, and remember: you’re continuously growing and evolving as an educator.
If you liked this post…
If you liked this blog post, you may be interested in these:
- 5 Tips for Transitioning to CI
- 5 Growth Mindset Tips for CI Teachers
- 10 CI Friendly Activities for World Language Classes
