Topic Three (1.3): Theories of development (Dweck & Willingham)
By the end of this Topic, you should be able to:
Understand the effects of learning on development using Carol Dweck’s Mindset Theory, including strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Be familiar with the terms: fixed mindset, growth mindset and ability/effort.
Understand the effects of learning on development using Daniel Willingham’s Learning Theory, including strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Understand the concepts of the theory that factual knowledge has to come first before skills can be developed, and learning relies on practice and effort. Consider strategies to support cognitive, physical and social development.
Reading
Read pages 10-15.
Complete the “Apply it” section on page 11.
Links
Use the following links to extend your understanding:
EXPLORE - What is Mindset? (YouTube) Links to an external site.
READ - New Test for 'Growth Mindset' (The Guardian) Links to an external site.
READ - Research every Teacher should know: Growth Mindset (The Guardian) Links to an external site.
Download
Willingham’s Learning Theory:
Willingham, D. (2010) Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Download Willingham, D. (2010) Why Don't Students Like School?: A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions About How the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Extension Material
Willingham has a ‘Science and Education’ blog that he uses to present his ideas. Please visit the site and make notes.
EXPLORE - Science & Eduction (Daniel Willingham) Links to an external site.
A fairly long, but extremely useful, video discussing Cognitive Psychology and which learning strategies work and which don’t! Extremely useful for anyone who wants to learn more effectively: