What's your why? Part B

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Learning is an ongoing journey that demands dedication and grit, making it essential to foster a growth mindset in students from the beginning. To develop lifelong learners who recognize that their success comes from continued effort and determination, I propose integrating more choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning experiences (COVA) opportunities into the foreign language curriculum in association with establishing a significant learning environment (CSLE). In this environment, students will be encouraged to become self-directed learners through the use of various online resources. By valuing effort, prioritizing holistic development, and providing diverse experiences, students will learn to see challenges as growth opportunities and develop resilience, empowering them to succeed in any endeavor, especially in the endeavor of learning a foreign language. 

To make this vision possible for my current students, it is important to implement several key principles and strategies into my teaching approach. Immediately, I can begin by fostering a growth mindset. With this new mindset, students will perceive challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.  They will understand that intelligence and abilities develop through commitment and perseverance. Establishing a significant learning environment (CSLE) where students feel secure to take risks, participate in discussions, ask questions, and learn from mistakes will foster collaboration and a sense of community. Clear communication of high expectations for academic achievement and personal growth, along with regular feedback and support, will empower students to reach their full potential by setting ambitious yet attainable goals. Encouraging autonomy and self-directed learning will enable students to pursue their interests and take ownership of their educational journey through COVA learning opportunities designed to foster success and increase self-confidence.

Right from the beginning, students in my classroom will know that I value effort and persistence. They will learn the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges and understand that success stems from hard work and determination and that I value hard work. Acknowledging that learning extends beyond academic achievement, holistic development will be prioritized, addressing students' social, emotional, and physical needs through activities promoting self-awareness, empathy, and well-being. Leading by example as a lifelong learner, I will share personal experiences of growth and improvement, fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning.

I will also provide diverse learning experiences that accommodate various learning styles and preferences, incorporating proven foreign language techniques approved by ACTFL, like CI, TPRS, and TPR, along with multimedia resources and real-world applications to engage students and make learning meaningful. Consistently implementing these strategies will create an educational environment aligned with the philosophy of lifelong learning, empowering students to embrace challenges and pursue success in any endeavor.

In order to implement these key principles from the beginning of the academic term,  I request your support in implementing the innovation proposal I submitted. This will require individual student laptops, access to various educational websites, and flexibility to implement both COVA opportunities and establish a CSLE. I ask for your immediate approval so that everything can be in place prior to students arriving in class this coming August.

References:

Dweck, C. S. (2016). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books. 

Guiding principles for language learning. ACTFL. (n.d.-a). https://www.actfl.org/educator-resources/guiding-principles-for-language-learning 

Harapnuik, D., & Thibodeaux, T. (2023). COVA: Inspire Learning Through Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Experiences (2nd ed.). Learner’s Mindset Publishing. 

Nourollah Zarrinabadi, & Nigel Mantou Lou. (2022). Mindsets in language learning and

 teaching: an introduction to the special issue. Innovation in Language Learning and

Teaching, 16 205–207.

TED. (2013, May 9). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance | Angela Lee 

Duckworth [Video].  YouTube. https://youtu.be/H14bBuluwB8?si=cZMEGn0JTa5MTL7U

TED. (2014, December 17). The power of believing that you can improve | Carol Dweck | TED 

[Video].  YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0mgOOSpLU