Stay creative: take risks.

Today's cat was inspired by the "Stay Creative" graphic below. Here are some more Stay-Creative Cats.

Stay creative: take risks.

The image is from cheezburger. 

This great graphic is designed by Islam Abudaoud. You can see the full-size infographic here, and it's also been made into a Vimeo video!

You can always learn more.

This blog post is one of several inspired by a Chris Hildrew blog post: Growth Mindset Misconceptions and Missteps.

Here are some more cats inspired by that same post.

You can always learn more.

Made with a Cheezburger cat.

Where there is no path...

Do not go where the path may lead;

go instead where there is no path,

and leave a trail.

Although this quote is widely attributed to Emerson, that is probably not correct (see Wikiquote discussion). No matter: the words are very wise ones, no matter who said them first.

I made this for the MemeGallery with an image from Cheezburger, and here's the graphic that inspired me:

Stretch yourself to learn something new

Today's growth mindset cat is inspired by these words from Carol Dweck's Mindset book: "In the world of changing qualities, it's about stretching yourself to learn something new. Develop yourself."

Stretch yourself to learn something new.

The image is from Cheezburger.

Stay creative: get lots of rest.

Today's cat was inspired by the "Stay Creative" graphic below. Here are some more Stay-Creative Cats.

Stay creative: get lots of rest.

The cat image is from cheezburger, and this great graphic is designed by Islam Abudaoud. You can see the full-size infographic here, and it's also been made into a Vimeo video!

Stop for a moment and just think.

At Pinterest, I found a link to this nifty poster: I Don't Know What to Do Next, and it inspired this cat:

The image is from cheezburger — and here is more from that same poster:

Don't know what to do next?

Dig deep and stick with it.

Look in a book or use the Internet.

Can you find an example?

Keep calm and read it again.

Remind yourself not knowing is okay. 

Work together and ask a friend.

Pause a moment and just think.

Still not sure? Then ask your teacher.

So, that inspired me to make this cat; the image is from cheezburger.

In order to learn, we must probe and poke.

In order to learn,

we must probe and poke.

Today's cat is inspired by a great article by Linda Flanagan at MindShift: How to Spark Curiosity in Children Through Embracing Uncertainty. Here's a specific quote from the article (the whole thing is very much worth reading!):

There’s already a believer of the uncertain in science — Columbia neuroscience professor Stuart Firestein, who argues that “insightful ignorance” drives science. [...] Firestein describes scientific discovery as “groping and probing and poking, and some bumbling and bungling, and then a switch is discovered, often by accident, and the light is lit.” All the poking around in the unknown, he adds, is what makes science exhilarating.

The image is from cheezburger.

I learn new things constantly.

Today's cat is inspired by an item in the infographic you will find below:

I learn new things constantly.

(cheezburger)

Here is the infographic by "Jan and Alicia" that I've seen making the rounds on Twitter:

Open your mind with a new perspective.

From a tweet in the #growthmindset stream, I found my way to this nice article: Three Cognitive Biases That Stunt Your Personal Growth.

The three biases are: confirmation bias, conservatism bias, and conformity bias, with solutions for each one as follows:

• Solution: Purposefully open your mind. Objectively considering “the other side of the story” does not mean you have to accept it. But at least you have a shot at growth.
• Solution: As with goals, sometimes we need to quickly adapt in the face of new and contrary indications. Take the time to verify, but then make a move.
• Solution: Have the courage to act according to your own convictions.

As you can see, I was inspired by the confirmation bias solution to create today's cat, using this upside-down cat from cheezburger.

Open your mind with a new perspective.

The emotions of learning: surprise, awe, interest, and confusion.

Today's cat is inspired by a great article by Linda Flanagan at MindShift: How to Spark Curiosity in Children Through Embracing Uncertainty. Here is a quote from the article; "Holmes" is "Jamie Holmes, who has just written a book on the hidden benefits of uncertainty." — Nonsense: The Power of Not Knowing.

“The emotions of learning are surprise, awe, interest and confusion,” Holmes said. But because confusion provokes discomfort, it should be discussed by teachers to help students handle the inevitable disquiet. “Students have to grow comfortable not just with the idea that failure is a part of innovation, but with the idea that confusion is, too,” Holmes writes. Teachers can help students cope with these feelings by acknowledging their emotional response and encouraging them to view ambiguity as a learning opportunity.

The emotions of learning:

surprise, awe, interest, and confusion.

(cheezburger)

Explore ambiguity.

Today's cat is inspired by a great article by Linda Flanagan at MindShift: How to Spark Curiosity in Children Through Embracing Uncertainty. Here is a quote from the article; "Holmes" is "Jamie Holmes, who has just written a book on the hidden benefits of uncertainty." — Nonsense: The Power of Not Knowing.

“We’re much more certain about facts than we should be,” Holmes said. “A lot of this will be challenged, and it should not be embarrassing.”

If students can be made to feel comfortable with uncertainty — if they’re learning in an environment where ambiguity is welcome and they are encouraged to question facts — then they are more apt to be curious and innovative in their thinking.

“Our minds crave closure, but when we latch onto it prematurely we miss beautiful and important moments along the way,” Holmes said, including the opportunity to explore new ideas or consider novel interpretations.

Explore ambiguity.

(cat image is by Henri at Flickr)