7/12/2023 -In order to take risks in life and in learning, one has to be willing to move out of “the comfort zone,” and thus, willing to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. It is a part of growth mindset and the risk-taking that goes along with it (Dweck, 2006). If we want to be catalysts for innovative change, we must embrace being uncomfortable from risk-taking. Innovative change requires something new and that you are willing to try something that at least new to you. New is always uncomfortable at first to your physical senses even if it is a refreshing new.
In order to be a facilitator of learning through risk-taking, one needs a coaching perspective to direct this learning. A coach is sensitive to the needs of the players. A coach will not have a player bench press 100lbs if the player demonstrates a 50lbs lift. The coach will start from the player’s ability to increase strength. Just like a coach, an educator needs to listen to students’ needs and go from that point into the learning to learn together. This takes a collaborative conversation where the educator gets to know the student. The educator must be willing to be uncomfortable by taking a step back and not direct the student but listen thoughtfully to the student. Thoughtfully means that the educator will not listen just to have a quick reply but to gain understanding about the student’s learning needs. This takes time and practice while keeping in mind that the learning will go further and faster by making this effort as an educator.
Mistakes are also apart of risk-taking. Your brain is wired to learn from mistakes. If one doesn’t make mistakes, one doesn’t learn but just automatically functions. To learn is to grow so one must make mistakes to have a growth mindset (Dweck, 2006).
I agree with what was shared in the video that when students see educators making mistakes to learn, the students will feel comfortable making mistakes to learn themselves. This definitely creates a more collaborative and encouraging learning environment for all (EdCan, 2016).
References:
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York, NY: Random House
EdCan. (2016, May 19) Innovation that sticks case study-OCSB: Risk taking. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAMcjUzdVnE&t=505s
Wings and a Wand 