Embracing Growth: This Week's Journey

AI Images are my thing for my blog posts. Look what it created with the simple attributes I provided. I love this.

The week has been packed with learning, celebration, and growth. I kicked things off with a memorable 40th birthday cruise to Cozumel, a refreshing escape that gave me time to reflect on the journey so far and where I’m heading. I was able to listen to my current books required by class on the Growth Mindset and Influencers with my fiancé. Returning to my work with fresh energy, I added a Growth Mindset Plan to my ePortfolio for my Applied Digital Learning (ADL) master’s program. Inspired by Carol Dweck’s research, the plan aims to foster resilience and adaptability in myself and others. By making it open and broad, I hope to reach a wide range of learners, but more specifically implementing this with the Mightier application.

A big focus of my Growth Mindset Plan is its use with the Mightier app for emotional regulation, especially with autistic students. By blending growth mindset principles with the app’s interactive approach, I aim to help students understand that their emotional regulation skills can improve with practice. This mindset reinforces the idea that setbacks are opportunities to learn, allowing students to gradually build confidence in managing their emotions. I hope my ePortfolio reflects how the Mightier app can be used to cultivate a belief in growth and progress, empowering students to navigate challenges more effectively.

My discussions this week also focused on the COVA (Choice, Ownership, and Voice through Authentic learning) model and the Influencer Model of Six Sources of Influence, both of which are shaping how I approach my work. COVA has deepened my understanding of how learner agency can drive engagement and success, while the Influencer Model offers strategies for creating meaningful behavior change. Both are proving essential as I continue to research and write about the the Mightier app for autistic students, with three vital behaviors guiding the process: regular app use by students, active teacher facilitation, and frequent check-ins for feedback.

Overall, the previous week has been a meaningful blend of personal celebration and professional growth. Marking my 40th with a cruise was a perfect reminder to balance hard work with joy, and I’m excited to keep evolving in both my personal and professional life.