Is It Better To Be Smart Or Persistent?

Alina Tugend of the New York Times quoted Professor Carol Dweck of Stanford and others in an interesting article entitled "The Many Errors in Thinking About Mistakes." Professor Dweck said

"Studies with children and adults show that a large percentage cannot tolerate mistakes or setbacks ... those who believe that intelligence is fixed and cannot change tend to avoid taking chances that may lead to errors." She goes on to say that "Often parents and teachers unwittingly encourage this mind-set by praising children for being smart rather than for trying hard or struggling with the process."

I have found in my work that our "A" students tend to have the toughest time with risk. They would much prefer a straightforward assignment with clear instructions rather than a problem solving activity. Their view of success tends to be the grade rather than the understanding. This makes sense as that process has served them well in the educational arena. The problem is that the world of work and of life is not made up of straightforward assignments with clear instructions.

Educators, what has been your experience?

BP Amoco Grant Awarded

Congratulations to Maudie Walls of Garvey School in Chicago. Ms. Walls received a BP Amoco grant to support her EnergyNet work.

Congratulations Maudie!

Inventor of LED

U of I Inventor Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Nick Holonyak, the inventor of the first practical light-emitting diode (LED) in the visible spectrum, is on a list of inductees to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Professor Holonyak is an Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics Professor from the University of Illinois.

Are High Gas Prices A Problem For Your Family? Share these gas saving suggestions

You know how much harder it is to get around when you have
a heavy backpack- right? Well, the same is true of your
family's car. Reduce the weight the engine has to pull by
doing these 3 things:

1. Check the tire pressure. Tires that are under inflated reduce gas mileage. Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
2. Remove extra items. The less weight you drive around,the less gas you'll use.
3. Wash your car. Surprising but true - a clean car use less energy.

Did You Know? ?

American car horns beep in the tone of F.