From Confidence to Competence, OUP, Zurich

A two-part seminar for lower-secondary teachers in Zurich. Slides are available below in pdf format.

Part 1:
Mindset: the role of attitudes in language learning and self-actualization

The language classroom can be an intimidating environment for many students, especially if they have low self-esteem or counter-productive attitudes about themselves as learners. In this first session we will look the challenges posed by the fixed mindset – one that is preoccupied with notions of ‘talent’ and ‘ability’. We will then look at the characteristics of the growth mindset, and consider an approach to teaching and learning in which hard work, embracing challenges and striving to reach one’s potential are the milestones of success.

Part 2:
Activities and techniques for boosting learners’ confidence and self-esteem

In the second part of the seminar, we will look at a selection of simple and practical classroom activities designed to foster a growth mindset. We will also look a selection of classroom management techniques which can help to strengthen the classroom dynamic, in the process helping to boost students’ confidence in themselves– and their motivation to learn.

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