Dear Parents and Guardians,

Across the school we have been focusing on developing a growth mindset in order to develop positive learning dispositions. Those with a growth mindset apply effort and understand that effort helps to develop ability. They also utilise adjusting strategies when they come across a set back and seek help, rather than adopting an ‘I cannot do it’ or ‘I give up’ attitude.

You may have heard students talking about growing their brain with challenges, being in the learning pit or the fact that mistakes are a necessary part of learning.

The Learning Pit poster represents an approach we have been using with our students to help them develop into powerful learners. When our students are struggling with their learning they sometimes opt out, disengage or simply sitting very quietly hoping no one will notice them. Students too often rely on their teacher to show them how to get an answer – thus rescuing them from the hard thinking.

What we now know is that challenge is necessary for all learners as this is when deep learning and understanding occur. The Learning Pit strategy not only encourages teachers to develop better questioning techniques but also supports students’ resilience; their ability to cope when situations become tricky. When students recognise that we all experience ‘the Pit’ at times, and this is normal, and are supported to use different strategies to get them out of the Pit, their sense of achievement and confidence is increased.

At St Joseph’s we use the learning pit:

• Is a metaphor or analogy for learning. Everyone is encouraged to get in the pit!
• Encourages learners to take risks and stretch themselves with challenge.
• It’s the place where we may face challenge, adversity, setback and failure. This is where the best learning occurs!
• In the Learning Pit, mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn
• Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable in our learning
• Know what to do when we don’t know what to do
• Experience the eureka moment

The following is a link to a youtube clip explaining the learning pit https://vimeo.com/117364809

God Bless,

Megan