Cognitive Function and Learning Explained

Module Four

Perseverance

Goal: Students will develop an understanding of Growth Mindset and Grit, debunk myths about intelligence and learning styles, and acquire skills to navigate and overcome learning roadblocks effectively.

Essential Questions:

  1. What do perseverance, growth mindset, and grit mean?
  2.  What are the common myths surrounding intelligence and learning styles, and how do these misconceptions impact student learning and motivation?
  3. What practical strategies and skills can students develop to overcome learning roadblocks and challenges effectively?

Assessment Evidence:

  • Performance Tasks:
    • Create an action plan focused on perseverance.
    • Complete a puzzle challenge
  • Other Evidence:
    • Observations and discussions during class activities.
    • Student reflections or journals.
    • Case studies or scenarios where students apply problem-solving skills and Growth Mindset strategies to navigate and overcome learning roadblocks.

Resources and Materials:

  • Module Four Slideshow and Module Four PDF
  • Brainstorming and writing tools (whiteboard, paper, pencils, notebooks, etc.)
  • Brain Puzzle Activity (this will need to be prepared ahead of time)
Module Four

Part One: Introduction to Perseverance

Objective: Students will understand the concept of perseverance and its importance in achieving goals.

  1. Start with a story or video about someone who demonstrated perseverance in overcoming challenges. Videos on perseverance can be found on YouTube. Some favorites can be found here or in the Module Four Slideshow.
  2. Introduce the definition of perseverance and the module’s concepts using the Module Four Slideshow.
  3. Brainstorm examples from students’ lives.
  4. Have students share personal experiences of when they needed to persevere and what helped them stay motivated.
  5. Assess understanding through a class discussion or written reflection on the importance of perseverance.
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Two: Overcoming Obstacles

Objective: Students will identify common obstacles to perseverance and strategies to overcome them.

  1. Discuss common obstacles such as fear of failure, lack of motivation, and distractions.
  2. Present the “Perseverance Case Study” in the slideshow/PDF of individuals facing challenges and persevering.
  3. Introduce strategies like goal setting, positive self-talk, and seeking support to overcome obstacles.
  4. Have students identify an academic obstacle they are currently facing.
  5. Individually or in groups, brainstorm strategies students think would be effective in overcoming their specific obstacles.
  6. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Three: Growth Mindset

Objective: Students will understand the connection between having a growth mindset and persevering through difficulties.

  1. Share stories or examples of individuals with a growth mindset who persevered despite challenges. Videos on growth mindset can be found on YouTube. Some favorites can be found here.
  2. Using the Module Four Slideshow/PDF, define a growth mindset and discuss how it relates to resilience and perseverance.
    1. Explain Carol Dweck’s concept of “yet” and the power of positive thinking in fostering perseverance.
  3. Provide examples of “fixed” and “growth” Have students analyze their own mindset and identify areas for growth and development through discussion or written reflection.
  4. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Four: Strategies for Building Perseverance

Objective: Students will create an action plan to practice strategies to build and maintain perseverance.

  1. Discuss the benefits of having a strong sense of perseverance in achieving long-term goals.
  2. Using the Module Four Slideshow/PDF, introduce strategies such as setting realistic goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and practicing self-care.
  3. Have students create an action plan using “Reflection and Action Plan” in the slideshow/PDF, focusing on perseverance strategies for a challenging task or project.
  4. Encourage students to discuss their action plans, provide feedback for their peers, and adjust their plans as needed.
  5. Resume regular classroom procedures.

Part Five: Perseverance Puzzle Challenge

Objective: Students will complete a puzzle with minimal initial information, practicing perseverance and growth mindset.

This activity is designed to occur at the end of the day. Proceed with regular classroom procedures, informing students the activity will occur at the end of class. The activity may require energy for self-regulation. If it is done at the beginning of the day, it may affect academic engagement and productivity.

  1. Inform students they will be completing a challenge. Students can complete the challenge in groups or individually.
  2. Hand each group their “Brain Puzzle Activity” packet, read the instructions aloud, and provide the instruction handout.
  3. Have students complete the activity. Provide feedback only about incorrect piece placement, and try to avoid explaining or providing answers.
  4. Optional: After the activity is completed, discuss how students felt when completing the puzzle. Encourage them to identify strategies they used and explain how this activity might be relevant to daily life.
next module