Growth Mindset, Failing Forward Strategies, and COVA

When I initially enrolled in the MEd in Digital Learning and Leading (DLL) program at Lamar University, my expectations were very simple, straight forward, and to the point. I would learn about some interesting new apps and programs to use at my campus, complete a few cool digital projects, get my degree, and be on my merry way. Nothing more to it...or at least that’s what I thought. Then the day came…October 9, 2017. This was the first day of my first graduate school course EDLD 5302 Educational Concepts of Technology. From that day forward, I knew that my experience as a DLL student would not simply be learning about some interesting new apps and programs and completing a few cool digital projects. This program will be even more so learning some interesting new facts about myself as a person, educator, and learner and completing a few cool self-evaluations and reflections that will help me grow and graduate to becoming the best possible technology leader I can be. However, for me to truly reap the benefits of these and future self-discoveries taking place throughout this program, I will need to embody and maintain a positive mindset. Having a positive mindset will make me more receptive to the ideas, challenges, obstacles, suggestions, and failures I may encounter along my DLL journey. This is where applying the growth mindset, failing forward strategies, and COVA Model will greatly impact my DLL learning experience. By utilizing these concepts, I will be more likely to envelope a positive outlook which will motivate me to keep improving and to reach my ultimate goal of completing the DLL program.

WHAT IS THE GROWTH MINDSET?

According to Stanford University Professor of Psychology Carol Dweck, growth mindset is when “people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.” (What Is Mindset?, n.d.). Research also shows that “students who embrace growth mindsets...may learn more, learn it more quickly, and view challenges and failures as opportunities to improve their learning and skills. (Growth Mindset, August 2013)

HOW WILL IT IMPACT MY LEARNING EXPERIENCE AS A DLL STUDENT?

As a DLL student, one way that the growth mindset will impact my learning experience is by helping me develop a more positive attitude towards course materials. Although the information may be new and I may not know how to do all of the coursework proficiently yet, having a growth mindset assures me that I am not at a total loss. It declares that, regardless of the obstacles I may encounter, if I put in solid effort and persevere I can gradually learn how to interpret and complete quality graduate level work. Therefore, if I look at a syllabus for a future course and see that there are various unfamiliar topics and materials listed, I know not to panic. Rather than saying “Oh no! I don’t know that. I quit!”, I will think of it as an opportunity to learn something new and grow in my understanding of digital learning. Another way the growth mindset will impact my DLL learning experience is by aiding me in viewing negative feedback and criticism as a growth experience rather than as an insult. Receiving negative feedback and criticism in a positive way has always been an area of struggle for me throughout my life. However, since learning about the growth mindset, I have grown to understand that criticism and feedback are given as ways to help and provide opportunities to learn. Therefore, if I were to experience a less than desirable event in one of my future courses (i.e. receiving uncomplimentary remarks on an essay or a poor grade on an assignment), I will think about ways to improve on the assignment the next time rather than simply getting upset and/or accept it and do nothing. Some of the actions I can take in effort to improve on future assignments might include scheduling a meeting with my professor to discuss in greater detail the areas in which I need to improve and getting suggestions from fellow classmates who were successful on the assignment to gain inspiration and guidance. This more positive response to negative feedback and criticism would also work outside of the course when I present my growth mindset plan to my colleagues at work.

WHAT IS FAILING FORWARD?

As stated on the Entrepreneur magazine website, failing forward “basically means that it’s okay to fail as long as you learn from your mistakes.” (Joseph, November 2017). By understanding the concept of failing forward and utilizing its strategies, one realizes that “failure isn't as scary if you consider it a necessary step toward eventual success.” (Joseph, November 2017).

HOW WILL IT IMPACT MY LEARNING EXPERIENCE AS A DLL STUDENTS?

One way the concept of failing forward will impact my learning experience in the DLL programs is by assuring me that failure is not final but rather a stepping stone. Knowing this will help me build up perseverance should setbacks arise during my DLL journey. For example, if I were to receive a failing grade on a future assignment, embodying the failing forward concept and strategies will not allow me to become discouraged and want to quit the program. Rather, they will prompt me to take responsibility for how I contributed to the failing grade, learn from my mistakes, put this event in the past, and move on with the program, focusing on how I can do better on future assignments. I could even seek out suggestions and advice for improvement from colleagues in my personal learning network. The failing forward concept and strategies will also encourage me to look at the benefits of this experience with failure and view it differently. Rather than focusing solely on the failing grade, I will also recognize and learn what did not work in the process of completing the assignment and, therefore, know what not to do on future assignments. Additionally, the failing forward model and strategies will impact my learning experience in the DLL program by reminding me that failure does not define who I am. Although I may experience a failure or setback at one task or event, that does not mean that I am an incapable student or person in general. For instance, going back to my earlier example regarding grades, if I receive a grade that is lower than what I expected while in the DLL program, I will not take it personally and become a victim of self doubt because I will understand that my performance on this assignment was a failure but I am not a failure. Therefore, instead of drowning myself in negative self-talk, I will view this failure as part of my progress in this program because with each failure I am learning and growing.

WHAT IS COVA?

Finally, according to the harapnuik.org website, the COVA Model is “a learner centered approach that gives the learner choice (C), ownership (O), and voice (V) through authentic (A) learning opportunities” (COVA, n.d.).

HOW WILL IT IMPACT MY LEARNING EXPERIENCE AS A DLL STUDENT?

One way the COVA Model will impact my learning experience as a DLL student is by giving me more freedom in how I acquire learning. In the ownership (O) area of the COVA model, learners “are given control and ownership (O) over the entire learning process including the selection of projects, the ePortfolio process, and all their learning tools.” (COVA, n.d.) Therefore, as an individual who learns best through visuals and first-hand experience, the COVA model structure of the DLL programs makes me excited to learn and complete assignments because I am allowed to develop my understanding of course content outside of simply textbooks and articles. Instead, I am able to learn using tools and experiences that already capture my interest and, if I choose, I can opt to watch videos, view charts and graphs, go to museums and attend interactive seminars and conferences to learn concepts. As a result of having these freedoms, I will truly grasp the concepts taught throughout this program because the learning experiences will be more fulfilling, interesting, and have more meaning to me. The COVA Model will also impact my learning experience as a DLL student by giving me more freedom in how I present and express what I have learned to others. In the Choice (C) portion of the COVA Model, learners have “the freedom to choose (C) how they wish to organize, structure and present their experiences and evidences of learning.“ (COVA Model, n.d.) Therefore, as a mostly visual and kinesthetic learner, I will not be forced to submit the usual essay format to show what I have learned in the DLL program. Rather, I will have the choice to present my evidence of learning via more visual and kinesthetic friendly formats such as videos, presentations, graphics, pictures, or photos. In the voice (V) area of the COVA Model, “learners are given the opportunity to use their own voice (V) to structure their work and ideas and share those insights and knowledge with their colleagues within their organizations.” (COVA, n.d.) Because the COVA model encourages expressing personal voice, I will feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts and opinions openly regarding various topics in digital learning. Utilizing the COVA model will also assist me during technology club presentations to parents, teachers, and students described in my learning manifesto.

With the growth mindset, failing forward strategies, and COVA Model, I feel confident that I will have a successful learning experience as I journey through the Digital Learning and Leading Program. Fully equipped with focus, perseverance, and freedom and control over my learning experience, I will continue to remain motivated and inspired because of my positive mindset. And that’s the coolest thing yet.

References:

COVA. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6991

COVA Model. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6615

What Is Mindset?. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/

Growth Mindset. (2014, August 26). In S. Abbott (Ed.), The glossary of education reform. Retrieved from http://edglossary.org/growth-mindset

Joseph, J. (2017, November 08). 4 Ways I Fail Forward on a Daily Basis and Why You Should Do the Same. Retrieved from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/303509