How do you foster a growth mindset and a culture of learning in your STEM mentee or coachee?

Our navigation through setbacks and relentless quest for knowledge sets an exemplar for our mentees. In acknowledging our fallibilities and maintaining a zeal for advancement, true leadership is brought forth. By imparting tales of our journeys, we kindle mutual ascension. Translating this ethos to tangible milestones is key. I champion SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Goals, epitomizing precision and ambition. Harmonized with Growth Plans, they map our trajectory from present prowess to envisioned outcomes. This is not merely an exercise reserved for those leading students, but for the students themselves. By upholding these ideals, we not only mentor but instill a perpetual passion for growth and evolution.

I usually do this by deliberately involving myself along with the students and then deliberately reenacting all the issues and problems I faced, and slowly solving them as if I encountered it for the first time. I don't give up and make the students feel normal on this issue so that they are okay with making mistakes and learning. Then I seek my students' help and let them feel better, so they have an aggravated sense of achievement of helping their coach instead of the other way round. I set their mindset to that of a champion, so they act like one and soon become one too.

Foster a culture of reflection by regularly prompting mentees to evaluate their progress, identify areas for growth, and celebrate achievements. Encourage them to analyze both successes and setbacks, extracting valuable lessons.

I practice modeling this growth mindset for mentees by candidly sharing personal stories that will resonate with exactly where my mentees may be in their own development. This can do wonders for affirming the various turns of their current journey, and inspiring them to know that their next breakthrough is right around the corner.

When it comes to admitting mistakes - whether it's a miscalculation during a mental math exercise or a lapse when explaining a concept - these moments ought not be swept under the rug. Instead, acknowledge them, correct them, and - sometimes - even laugh about them. By openly addressing our own mistakes, we model to our students that missteps are a natural part of the learning journey, not something to fear or avoid.

Use feedback as a catalyst for goal setting by collaboratively establishing specific and achievable objectives. Encourage mentees to take ownership of their learning journey and provide resources and strategies to support their progress towards defined goals.

In the dynamic world of STEM, feedback is absolutely crucial for growth. Instead of simply praising outcomes, focus on the unique strengths displayed. For instance, celebrate creativity and persistence. When improvement is needed, emphasize untapped potential. Remember, it's not about fixing, but nurturing growth. Set clear, attainable goals, and guide them towards resources and strategies for continuous improvement. It's not just feedback - it's a roadmap to success!

When students make mistakes, guide them toward determining their own understanding of their errors. As students present their solutions and ideas, subtly point out areas where they may have gone astray. This isn't about highlighting the errors, but rather about building students' awareness of them. Through careful questioning, encourage students to inspect their work critically, leading them to recognize and correct their mistakes. Students learn that errors aren't stumbling blocks, but stepping stones to greater understanding.

Offer specific and actionable feedback that focuses on efforts, strategies, and areas for improvement rather than fixed abilities or outcomes. Encourage your mentee or coachee to view feedback as an opportunity for growth and development.

Broaden mentees' horizons by exposing them to diverse learning materials, including books, podcasts, blogs, and online courses. Encourage them to explore various perspectives and share their insights.

This happens especially with complex mathematical problems. I let my students play around while I attempt (or seem to do so, quite good at acting frustration) along with them. They see me fill pages after pages trying to figure out and they start doing so. This way, they figure it out before me (I have to be very patient) or they finally figure it out while I loop around the right path and then start making fallacy mistakes.

Stimulate STEM passion through curiosity. Pose questions like 'What intrigues you?' to spark self-reflection. Encourage exploration by recommending diverse learning sources—books, podcasts, online courses or connecting with diverse networks. Challenge them to take on new skills or projects. Make curiosity contagious, turning STEM into an adventure of self-discovery and endless possibilities.

Develop interactive experiments or demonstrations that allow participants to directly engage with the STEM concepts. Encourage them to explore and discover the principles behind the concepts through hands-on activities, fostering a deeper understanding.

Design assignments with multiple entry, engagement, and completion pathways. Encourage students to try out various approaches and to understand the interconnected nature of math. Challenging students to evaluate the merits of one method over another engages students in vital critical thinking and decision-making processes. This approach also offers students the opportunity to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly. As they compare and contrast different strategies, active listening becomes required, fostering an atmosphere where diverse ideas are valued and understood. Thus, the classroom transforms into a dynamic learning hub where a community of curiosity and exploration thrives.

It's important to include mentees in social events with your colleagues. Showing a mentee that a work environment isn't serious all of the time can be illuminating and may help them feel more comfortable when seeking future collaborations.

In STEM, unity and diversity power progress. Introduce mentees to a diverse network, fostering collaboration and learning from varied perspectives. Building teams and joining networks expand horizons. Equip them with essential skills for effective communication and teamwork. In our diverse tapestry lies the strength to overcome challenges. Especially as a women in tech and a business coach for women myself, I know about the importance of diverse networks and impactful collaborations. Let's forster collaboration and diversity, crafting a STEM future that celebrates every voice!

Emphasize the value of collaboration and teamwork in STEM fields by encouraging your mentee or coachee to engage with peers, mentors, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Foster an inclusive environment where different viewpoints are respected and valued, and where everyone feels empowered to contribute and learn from one another.

Make it a point to acknowledge students' efforts and achievements, giving them positive, consistent feedback for their progress - both publicly and one-on-one. This boosts their self-confidence as they learn to navigate the many mistakes awaiting them on their math journey. By celebrating students' learning and growth, we instill in them the importance of perseverance and the satisfaction that comes with overcoming challenges.

Recognize and celebrate your mentee or coachee's achievements, milestones, and progress along their learning journey. Highlight the importance of effort, perseverance, and resilience in the pursuit of goals, and acknowledge the incremental steps they take towards mastery and success.

Storytelling with role models can be a powerful tool to increase the perception of belonging, especially when it comes to complex STEM concepts. Highlight the similarities between the role models and your audience, focusing on shared interests, passions, or experiences. This helps break down the perception that STEM is exclusively for a select few, making it more relatable and accessible to a wider range of people.

i would always encourage my mentees to read with an agenda. It can be as simple as scrolling through prominent journal website to get a sensing of As SOON AS Publishable (ASAP) articles to know what are the upcoming research trends in the field. Reading review papers are good as well as they hold a wealth of information