Growth Mindset Research + Learning From Biographies (Da Vinci and Thomas Edison)

This week students learned about the concept of “growth mindset” and how it is different than a “fixed mindset.” We also explored how a growth mindset can be applied to projects.

Key understandings for a growth mindset:

  • Mistakes are a natural and expected part of learning
  • Failure is an event (not a person)
  • It is better to be praised for trying hard than “being smart” (we discussed a study linked below by Dr. Carol Dweck)
  • Your intelligence can increase with struggle (but if you avoid effort or new things because you are afraid you won’t be the best, that will actually cause your intelligence to flatline)
  • Initial success in a task is never guaranteed (view everything new thing you try as an experiment)

Part 2: Da Vinci and Thomas Edison

This week students were exposed to traits that characterize two very different, yet very similar, epic inventors in human history.

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (1452 - 1519): an Italian Renaissance polymath who was active as a painter, theorist, sculptor, architect, draftsman, engineer, and scientist.

“Leonardo recorded at least 7,000 pages of notes during his lifetime, jotting down ideas, thoughts, sketches and impressions whenever they came to him. His notes included original plans for a helicopter, a parachute, the extendable ladder, the bicycle, adjustable spanners, the snorkel, hydraulic jacks, folding furniture, a water-powered alarm clock, a revolving stage etc.” - Parentotheca

Thomas Alva Edison (1847 - 1931):  an American businessman and inventor who developed devices around electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures.

“He generated a record-breaking 1,093 US patents and 1,293 international patents over 62 successive years. He founded the world’s first research lab and General Electric. These have formed the basis of some of today’s billion dollar industries.” -  Innovate Like Edison

Researcher and author Michael J. Gelb spotted these qualities in Leonardo da Vinci:

1. Curiosità—An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning.

2. Dimonstratzione—A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

3. Sensazione—The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to clarify experience.

4. Sfumato (literally ‘Going up in Smoke’)—A willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty.

5. Arte/Scienza—The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination. Whole-brain thinking.

6. Corporalita—The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise.

7. Connessione—A recognition and appreciation for the connectedness of all things and phenomena. Systems thinking.

Considering Thomas Edison, Gelb made these observations:

Competency #1 – Have a solution-centered mindset

Competency #2 – Use “kaleidoscopic” thinking

Competency #3 – Apply full-spectrum engagement

Competency #4 – Harness master-mind collaboration

Competency #5 – Focus intensively on creating value


Optional Activities/Journal Questions:

  1. What did Da Vinci and Edison both have in common? Do you see any differences?

  2. What traits from the lists above do you see in yourself? How do you know? 

  3. Is there a dominating trait you have in the list of seven regarding Da Vinci? Is there a trait you need to develop further?  

  4. Is there a dominating trait you have in the list of five regarding Edison? Is there a trait you need to develop further?  

 

Go Deeper:

*https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-secret-to-raising-smart-kids1/

https://qz.com/587811/stanford-professor-who-pioneered-praising-effort-sees-false-praise-everywhere

*Book: How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci by Michael J. Gelb

*Book: Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America's Greatest Inventor by Michael J. Gelb

Praise for Growth Mindset: https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/ULI30LFFReaxdo7pzjhr

More Biographies: https://cdn.filestackcontent.com/rU0gwKNYTeumSMMrlI1H

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