The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) is a group of some 20000 cells in our brains that control our circadian rhythms. That’s to say they control the 24hour cycles of sleep, hunger and alertness. The SCN receives direct input from our retinas, allowing it to synchronise our body's internal clock with the day-night cycle. By regulating hormones like melatonin the SCN orchestrates the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms.
As people age, their circadian rhythms often shift, leading to earlier sleep and wake times. Older adults (yours truly included) will tend to spend less time in deep sleep and experience more fragmented sleep. A good book, then, can help to while away the wakeful pre-dawn hours. Sourcing these literary assisters of somnolence can be difficult should you finish one at around 2:00am.
For me, re-entering the Land of Nod is greatly facilitated by directing my Kindle to download yet another electronic masterpiece; fiction, non-fiction, pulp fiction etc. Interestingly enough, a piece of non-fiction that has given me pause for thought recently, wasn’t sourced from the Amazon bookstore; it was a gift from one of our parents (thank you so much). This hard copy version is engaging to the point that it offers no help in regulating circadian rhythms.
“Mindset” by psychologist Carol Dweck outlines two distinct frames of thought: Fixed and Growth. In a Fixed Mindset, people believe their talents, intelligence and abilities are inherent and unchangeable. Often preoccupied with appearances, they may shy away from challenges to avoid revealing any perceived weaknesses. “Believing that your qualities are carved in stone — the fixed mindset — creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over.” On the other hand, those with a Growth Mindset believe abilities can be developed through effort, learning and perseverance. Challenges are viewed as opportunities rather than threats. “This Growth Mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts.”
For our young men, as part of a Growth Mindset, the power of “yet” is something that should be explored. The concept of “not yet,” encourages young people to view abilities as works in progress rather than hard-and-fast qualities. By reframing failures or setbacks as “not yet”, our Eddies Men can maintain a growth-oriented approach; “I'm not good at this.” becomes “I’m not good at this yet.”; “I don’t understand this.” becomes “I don’t understand this yet.”; “I can’t.” becomes “I can’t…yet.” Dweck emphasises “The power of ‘yet’... gives you a path into the future.”
Importantly Dweck offers direction as to how we, as part of the Eddies Team, can assist our Eddies Men to cultivate Growth Mindset.
Praising Effort Over Intelligence:
Praising young people for being “smart” or “talented,” may unintentionally instil a fixed mindset, making them afraid of challenges and failure. They may begin to see their intelligence or talent as something that must be protected rather than developed. Dweck advocates for praise that focuses on effort, strategies, perseverance and improvement.
Resilience Through Failure:
Helping them see failure as a natural part of the learning process fosters resilience. Responding to mistakes with encouragement to try again or strategise differently, will help them understand that setbacks are temporary and surmountable. A growth mindset helps “value what they’re doing regardless of the outcome.”
Encouraging a Love of Challenges:
Young men who are encouraged to tackle difficult tasks develop a stronger sense of competence and persistence. Those who believe they can grow their abilities are more likely to embrace challenges; fostering a Growth Mindset requires teaching that “skills and intelligence can be developed”.
The Impact of Fixed Mindset Praise on Anxiety and Performance:
A Fixed Mindset can encounter difficulty and often experience anxiety, doubt, as well as a desire to give up. Studies suggest that children praised for intelligence were more likely to become discouraged and withdraw from challenging tasks. In contrast, children praised for effort remained engaged and motivated, even when faced with setbacks.
Practical Strategies:
Dweck suggests that parents should consciously model a Growth Mindset by talking about their own learning processes, struggles and achievements. For example, you might say, “I’m working hard to learn this and even though it’s challenging, I’m getting better at it.” Tap into the power of “yet”; “I haven’t mastered this yet”. She also recommends using language that reinforces growth, such as “You’re getting better at this!” or “I can see how much effort you’re putting in.”
Fostering a growth mindset in our young men will help develop resilience, perseverance and a passion for learning. By focusing on effort, process and growth, we can instil the belief that improvement is always possible. When “I can’t.” becomes “I can’t yet.” we will see more Eddies Men who can, and this will lead to emotional wellbeing, independence and long-term success.
Complaints and Communication
I encourage parents and caregivers to contact the College when there are concerns. For academic matters please contact subject teachers, Heads of Department or Directors and for pastoral matters, Homeroom Teachers and Pastoral Deans.
If further assistance is required contact should be made to the appropriate Assistant Principal, then to the Deputy Principal and me as Principal. St Edmund’s follows complaints handling processes according to the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Complaints Handling Policy and Guidelines. For more information refer to these documents found on the College website via the Policies and Procedures tab.
At all times please be assured that regardless of whether we agree or disagree, we remain committed to ensuring, that as a Team, the best possible opportunities are afforded to our Eddies Men.
