Creating a classroom culture of learning, respect, and student value

The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research published a recent summary of research titled, "Supporting Social, Emotional, &Academic Development Research Implications for Educators" (October 2018). On the publication, the Consortium defines their mission as, "To build capacity for school reform by identifying what matters for student success and school improvement, creating critical indicators to chart progress, and conducting theory-driven evaluation to identify how programs and policies are working."

In Chapter 3, "Teachers Shape Students’ Mindsets, Changing Their Learning Experience," the consortium identifies and describes how the teacher has a direct impact in shaping the mindsets of the students. The consortium identifies four learning mindsets essential for students to accept in order to develop in school:

"I belong in this learning community.
I can succeed at this.
My ability and competence grow with my effort (also known as a “growth mindset”).
This work has value for me," (p. 13)

An educator must understand that student mindset is also influenced by peers, family, and the community. However, an educator must recognize their own impact and develop strategies to facilitate students' developing the mindset of belonging, expectation of success, understanding of self-autonomy through effort, and an understanding of the value of the learning for their life goals.

Which strategies do you use to help students develop the mindset outlined by the UC Consortium research?

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