Reading Reflection 2

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?
I chose to read Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. The book focused on the differences between the growth mindset and the fixed mindset. Citing research and real-life accounts, Carol Dweck discussed the advantages of the growth mindsets. The fixed mindset focused on absolutes and the idea that traits and skills are innate and cannot be learned. This usually leads people to feel inadequate or sadness because they cannot live up to the expectations they place on themselves. However, the growth mindset focused on how individuals can learn from mistakes and shortcomings and don't place permanent labels on themselves. The major debate in the book is whether traits that successful people have can be learned or if they are born with them. Dweck choses to focus on the idea that people can learn these behaviors and traits through practice, hard work, and self reflection. 

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?
Throughout ENT 3003, we have done assignments that have required similar procedures. However, as we have gained more experience, we have become more efficient and better suited to complete these tasks. I believe this is evidence of a growth mindset in our class. As we take feedback and reflect, we have learned a lot about how to improve. Overall, this book made me want to reflect upon previous assignments and reread my feedback to see if I have improved.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would the exercise involve?
This book focused extensively on the ability to learn and adapt from failures (growth mindset). As a result, I would have students reflect on their top 5 biggest failures or shortcomings that they have had in their lives. In addition, I would have them discuss how those failures impacted their life, what they taught them, and how they have positively affected their lives today.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?
The most surprising part of the book was the discussion of parenting and how it plays a role in being in a fixed vs. growth mindset. Growing up my parents always encouraged me to try my hardest and supported me through failure and success. As a result, I grew up unafraid to take risks or venture outside my comfort zone, but I never realized why. This book discussed how praising children for accomplishments rather than hard work created a false sense of success. It also led to children having a fixed mindset and not associating hard work with success.