Today I realised how much I need to push this norm in my classroom. Every year I tell students when I give feedback a will avoid negative feedback. I will avoid use of the word "not." Even if it is a simple as swapping, "Billy Bob can't add" with, "Billy Bob should focus on his adding skills." Both phrases speak of BIlly Bob's struggle with addition, but phrase encourages and empowers BIlly Bob to have a growth mindset rather than fixed (which is all the rage these days). This year I am encouraging my students to do the same. Whenever they assess themselves or others, in any way, they must do so and avoid a "not phrase." If they use a "not phrase," I will simply say, "Make it positive." It is tough when you begin, but I am interested to see how my classroom culture might change with this norm. Maybe it will flop, but maybe it will build a group of confident, growth oriented, learners.
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November 2017
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