Change Vs. Growth by Jonathan Aubuchon

How do Learners/Educators React to Change?

aubuchonjonathan860 — 2024-11-18 00:12:28 UTC

First and foremost, change can be a scary concept for many. For educators it can be a little scary, but for students, it is very scary. Change can look like a lot of different things. It can be a new classroom for a student, a new subject to learn, and new friends to make. for educators it can look like a new student, or a new standard that needs to be taught, or a new program for testing. All these new things can be scary. However there are times we can react confidently and ready to face the obstacles that lie ahead. Educators/learners with a growth mindset can be ready to tackle any situation if they face it with a growth mindset.

How can we Guide Students Through Change and Nurture Their Growth?

aubuchonjonathan860 — 2024-11-18 00:55:45 UTC

Students/children are sponges. They can absorb more things then we realize. They are aware of facial expressions, moods, and so much more. We guide our students by the only way we know how: by example. How you react, what you say, the students pick up on it. So, if you're having a bad day and yelling, well guess what? Those children will have a bad day and yell at others. Despite what we may believe, children are extremely influential. So going back to the point, when children face change, let us show them how to go into it with a fixed mindset. Instead of freaking out, be ready to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and show them how to overcome it. In doing so, they will mirror you and begin to grow the confidence and growth mindset we want them to have.

How can Educators Seek Out Opportunities for Growth?

aubuchonjonathan860 — 2024-11-18 00:59:30 UTC

There is a saying that I hear a lot in the educational field. "A good teacher is never done learning, if they think they are, then they're not good teachers" and that really strikes me to my core. We must always find ways to be better, not just for ourselves, but for our students. The world is changing and the old ways sometimes don't work. We can grow by doing many things. We can take on new roles or task at work. This can help you learn new things and be more well rounded. We can also sign up for as many Professional developments as we can. Some may say they're a waste of time, but honestly, if you pick the right ones, they can help you grow.

Does Change Look the Same Everywhere?

aubuchonjonathan860 — 2024-11-18 01:04:41 UTC

No, not really. Change is different everywhere you go. Sometimes it can be. Change can be the same in the aspects of new students, new curriculum, and new programs. However, the type of change specifically can be very much different. Sometimes the change can be a bad grade in one subject, but not other other. Change can be a new reading program for 3rd grade, but a new writing program for 4th grade. Change can be similar yet very different at the same time.

Does Growth Look the Same Everywhere?

aubuchonjonathan860 — 2024-11-18 01:08:41 UTC

Just like change, growth is very different and the same all around. Growth can be a student finally learning a math problem, while another student is understanding a new word they learned. Growth is not just academics, but social/emotional too. One student can be learning to finally work through anger and calming down, while another is learning how to express how they feel for once. So yes, it can look the same, but the specifics of it are not.