4 Responses to “Are you an explorer?”

1. ann_g says:

   21 August , 2008 at 22:11

   Your blog fits in nicely with this article I just read in New Scientist – LINK

   (I don’t think the link will get the full article without a subscription, sorry)

   People with a fixed mindset believe their basic qualities are carved in stone, so they are concerned about making their abilities look good. Those with a growth mindset believe their basic abilities can be cultivated through dedication and education. They are more concerned with stretching themselves. We’ve shown that a growth mindset orients you towards learning, whereas a fixed mindset makes you wary of challenges. If the learning involves risk of failure, those with a fixed mindset are more likely to pass it up.

   There does seem to be a difference between people who enjoy learning and challenges and those who don’t – nature or nurture is an interesting question, as is whether the growth mindset can be encouraged

   Ann

2. jeni_h says:

   22 August , 2008 at 17:10

   I love image of learning as being adventuruous and exploratory rather than tutored, safe and dull which often goes with people’s ideas about formal education.

   Carol Dweck’s research, which Ann mentions, does indeed show that children can learn to have a growth mindset and become more confident in seeing challenges as interesting.

   It would be good if more people especially in schools were aware of her work.

   Richard, is your walking a source of inspiration?

   I sometime find new connections just pop into my head if I leave something alone that I’m thinking too hard about. If I go out for a walk sometimes a solution presents itself.

   I call it creative incubation although sometimes it feels a little close to procrastination.

   Jeni Hooper
   Happy2Learn

3. richardderwentcooke says:

   22 August , 2008 at 17:12

   Thanks Ann, that is a very interesting contribution.

4. richardderwentcooke says:

   22 August , 2008 at 17:12

   Jeni,

   I think that when you move your body, it is easier to move yuor mind, andwhilst i am verygood at ‘worrying’ away at a problem, if you want to really get creative, leave it alone and allow your sub-conscious to get creative.

   When we were out on Wednesday, I was amazed at the colour shape and beauty of the wild English flowers. If you look at them close up they are asglorious as any orchid.

   As a naturally inquisitive child, it never occurred to me that one has to learn how to explore ideas but I think that is right.