Imagine you’re in school, and your teacher wants to make learning more exciting and helpful for you. They use TLAC’s “No Opt Out,” which means they won’t let you give up or say “I don’t know” when they ask you a question. This helps you become more confident and think harder about the answer. Now, have you also heard of something called the growth mindset? It’s all about believing that you can get better at something if you keep trying and practicing. Well, did you know that TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset have some things in common? In this article, we’ll explore those similarities and discover how they can make school a better place for everyone.

TLAC’s “No Opt Out”

Definition

TLAC, or Teach Like a Champion, is a set of teaching techniques developed by Doug Lemov. One of the key techniques in TLAC is the “No Opt Out”, which aims to ensure that students are actively engaged in the learning process. It involves prompting a student for an answer and, regardless of whether the response is correct or not, redirecting the student back to the question until they are able to provide the desired answer.

Principles

The “No Opt Out” technique is based on several key principles. Firstly, it promotes a culture of high expectations, where the teacher believes that every student is capable of succeeding. Secondly, it encourages active participation from all students, ensuring that no one is able to opt out of the learning experience. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience, as students are encouraged to keep trying until they achieve success.

The Growth Mindset

Definition

The growth mindset is a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck. It is based on the belief that one’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. In contrast to a fixed mindset, which assumes that abilities are fixed traits, the growth mindset focuses on the potential for growth and development.

Principles

The growth mindset is guided by several principles. Firstly, it recognizes that effort is a crucial factor in achieving success. Instead of being discouraged by failure, individuals with a growth mindset view it as an opportunity for learning and improvement. Secondly, it promotes resilience and persistence, encouraging individuals to keep trying even when faced with challenges. Lastly, it fosters a belief in the potential for growth and development, enabling individuals to see setbacks as temporary and surmountable obstacles.

Similarities between TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the Growth Mindset

Shift in Focus

Both TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset involve a shift in focus from a fixed view of abilities to one that emphasizes growth and improvement. In TLAC, students are encouraged to keep trying and not give up, regardless of initial success or failure. Similarly, the growth mindset encourages individuals to see setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than as indicators of fixed abilities.

Emphasis on Effort

Both TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset place a strong emphasis on the value of effort. In TLAC, the technique ensures that all students are actively participating and putting in the effort to find the correct answer. Likewise, the growth mindset recognizes that effort is a key factor in achieving success and enables individuals to overcome obstacles through hard work and dedication.

Persistence and Resilience

Both TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset foster a sense of persistence and resilience. In TLAC, students are encouraged to keep trying until they are able to provide the desired answer, regardless of initial difficulty or mistakes. Similarly, the growth mindset promotes the idea of persistence in the face of challenges, encouraging individuals to view setbacks as temporary and to persevere in order to achieve their goals.

Belief in Growth and Development

Both TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset share a belief in the potential for growth and development. In TLAC, this belief is reflected in the high expectations set for every student, as well as in the emphasis on active participation and continuous learning. Similarly, the growth mindset recognizes that abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved through effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

Student Engagement and Participation

Both TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset prioritize student engagement and participation. In TLAC, the “No Opt Out” technique ensures that all students are actively involved in the learning process, as they are prompted to provide answers and participate in discussions. Similarly, the growth mindset encourages individuals to actively engage in their own learning, take ownership of their education, and participate fully in the learning experience.

In conclusion, TLAC’s “No Opt Out” and the growth mindset share several similarities. Both techniques involve a shift in focus from a fixed view of abilities to one that emphasizes growth and improvement. They also place a strong emphasis on the value of effort, promote persistence and resilience in the face of challenges, and foster a belief in the potential for growth and development. Additionally, they prioritize student engagement and active participation in the learning process. By incorporating these principles, educators can help students develop a growth mindset and create a positive and empowering learning environment.