Developing a Growth Mindset Inside and Outside the Classroom

   Everybody's mind works differently.  We see, hear, touch, and think differently than our peers.  Often, the statues of our limitations fall under how we perceive the world around us.  This week, the topics in FYE focused around the brain and how there are two major mindsets we have: a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset.  
   A fixed mindset is almost self explanatory as it is where an individual has a set idealism about any particular topic.  On the other hand, a growth mindset is one in which an individual has a mindset they're willing to alter for the sake of learning.  They're willing to gain more perspectives and learn from experience.
   This week, Georgia Southern hosted a guest speaker to discuss the different mindsets.  The presentation began with two images of tigers.  One, a wild jungle tiger, and the other was a zoo tiger. The difference between the two is drastic.  The zoo tiger represents a fixed mindset- stuck in one place with limitations. Yet, the jungle tiger represents the expanse of the mind and the freedoms open mindsets offer.  
   Continuing on the topic of growth mindsets, the speaker announced that "Growth mindsets show all of us how to build."  This means that going out of our comfort zone often benefits us as we take different perspectives.  The brain has neuroplasticity and we fire a signal pathway anytime we engage in activity whether it be mental or physical.  The more our brain fires from the certain circuit, the higher chances of getting better at a certain activity. 
Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1CHPnZfFmU 

   The speaker concluded that a growth mindset is the key to success not only in the classroom but in the real world.  He stated, "Each one of us sitting here has the ability to succeed.  If we don't believe in success then we probably won't."  On a similar note, in our FYE class this week, the topic of ways to not be successful came up.  They included plagiarism and cheating.  According to the Georgia Southern Code of Conduct, plagiarism is, "the offering of the words, ideas, computer data programs, or graphics of others as one's own in any academic exercise."
  
Image credit: https://thecord.ca/being-cautious-of-plagiarism-especially-in-this-digital-age/ 

 Doctora spoke of a student she mentored in a Master's program who copied her thesis from another piece.  At the time, the program had no punishment for plagiarism on thesis'.  However, plagiarism is a high offense in the college setting.  Plagiarism can result in expulsion and ultimately worse- failure.

Image credit: https://www.wrike.com/blog/top-reasons-for-project-failure/ 
  
  This week was a lesson on allowing our success to filter through our surroundings.  By allowing an open mind and trusting our independence, success will come.