Teaching Resilient Mindsets: Developing a Model and an Active Learning Workshop for First-Year College Students

Abstract

This practice report describes the development of a compensatory educational model to introduce first-year college students to resilient mindsets. The Teaching Resilient Mindsets Model emphasized (1) realistic expectations, (2) an “always learning” mindset, and (3) being prepared for challenges before they arise. After development, the Teaching Resilient Mindsets Model was delivered during freshman orientation via an active learning workshop. At the resilience workshop students practiced core components of the model and built a “resilience toolbox” to take with them as a resource for their transition to college. Experiential evidence of student engagement alongside quantitative and qualitative reflections from students emphasized the efficacy of the workshop and the opportunities it provided to practice resilient mindsets and prepare for potential challenges. The practice report ends with personal reflections on the (un)expected impacts of the workshop as well as opportunities for improvement.