Assignment: Teacher and Student Mindsets

According to Sousa and Tomlinson (2011), "Brain studies suggest that a stimulating learning environment may have a significant impact on an individual's brain development and eventual level of intelligence" (p. 33). Creating a stimulating learning environment is largely dependent on teacher and student mindsets that are influenced by beliefs, assumptions, and expectations.

Take a moment to reflect on your personal educational experiences and answer the following questions:

1. Describe a positive and negative classroom experience you have had in your educational experience and the mindset of the teacher in both those situations. (elementary experience)

- Did you feel that your teacher's mindset in both situations impacted your own mindset in any way? How?
Using these educational experiences and watching the video Building a Community, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d13vl4WIN_I describe at least three ways in which you will create your own positive and stimulated learning environment.
- How will you create an atmosphere where students can take intellectual risks without fear of ridicule?
- How will you manage inappropriate behavior, avoid bullying and put-downs?
- What steps will you take to create an atmosphere where students feel safe and included?

Be sure to use evidence from the text to support your assertions.

Carefully review the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate this Discussion Thread.

Book: Sousa, D. A. & Tomlinson, C. A. (2011). Differentiation and the brain: How neuroscience supports the learner-friendly classroom. Bloomington, IN: Solution Tree Press.

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If you have any questions in regards to this DQ please feel free to ask me.