Growth Mindset
Overview
Growth mindset is a learning theory that stresses that real improvement in a skill or concept can be learned and that no individual is bound by a predetermined or biological limit. Through ongoing effort and the constant belief that you can improve, that improvement will be realized.
Growth mindset is a learning theory that stresses that real improvement in a skill or concept can be learned and that no individual is bound by a predetermined or biological limit. Through ongoing effort and the constant belief that you can improve, that improvement will be realized.
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Key Concepts
The Fixed Mindset
The Fixed Mindset
- The concept of mindsets is a continuum, with fixed at one end and growth at the other
- The fixed mindset is set in the idea that our skills, traits, intelligence and capabilities are predetermined or biologically linked, and learning is a matter of embracing and recognizing these during our childhood and adolescence.
- We must understand and accept where our bias is in the fixed mindset and move it towards the growth mindset
- As the opposite of a fixed mindset, growth embraces the concept that there is no predetermined limit
- Growth is recognized through a combination of the belief that you can improve (the mindset) and the effort and determination as you work towards improvement (see Grit)
- When a child or adolescent is exposed to an environment that highlights limitations and stresses that they're just "built differently" or that they "have differing strengths", they will accept these beliefs and take on the fixed mindset
- Children that are always encouraged to try, seeing failure or a mistake as a learning opportunity and told that they can recognize anything that they put their minds to will take on a growth mindset
- Classroom feedback style and language can "set the tone" and define the environment, either encouraging or discouraging a growth mindset
- Neuroplasticity is the concept that the human brain will continue to forge new and repair old neural pathways as learning and experience are gained
- When looking for biological evidence in support of a growth mindset, we need look no further than neuroplasticity
Practical Suggestions for Educators
Reframe the Fixed Mindset
Reframe the Fixed Mindset
- A student may have spent most of their life hearing that a certain concept or subject just isn't their strength, but this can be broken through encouragement and the "Power of Yet"
- The "Power of Yet" is a simple strategy that allows you to highlight a student's goal shortfall as a temporary matter
- It is a matter of time and practice; there are more steps to fulfill before the goal can be realized, but it will be realized
- Further to the language that is used in class, ensure that all of the peers are encouraging each other in the belief that improvement is recognizable in time and with effort
- A safe, inclusive and compassionate classroom will welcome student's mistakes as opportunities to learn
- Look for opportunities to highlight your own mistakes as a learning tool and allow students to make mistakes freely, knowing that they will have more opportunities to submit "final" versions of their work
- Taking risks is a hallmark of a growth mindset, as improvement and learning are seen as inherent rewards
- Consider ways that you can encourage students to take risks by providing choices in how they complete certain projects or in the project topics themselves
- Intentionally reward the efforts behind the risk, illustrating the value of that process over the result
- One way to encourage the benefits of neuroplasticity is through the use of reflective quesitons
- Create a list of reflective questions for each subject area that you teach over time, generating a library of questions
- Incorporate these reflective questions in Minds On or Consolidation strategies around lessons and units to stretch students thinking and push them towards a growth mindset
Resources
Ackerman, C. (2018). What is Neuroplasticity? Definition + 14 Brain Plasticity Exercises. [online] Positivepsychologyprogram.com.
Briggs, S. (2018). 25 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset - InformED. [online] InformED.
Talks, T. (2014, September 12) The power of yet | Carol S Dweck | TEDxNorrköping.
David L, "Mindset Theory – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset (Dweck)," in Learning Theories, December 14, 2015.
Decades of Scientific Research that Started a Growth Mindset Revolution. (2015, December).
Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck Revisits the 'Growth Mindset'. [online] Stem.org.uk.ationWeek.pdf
Edudemic Staff. (2014, November 28). Why the Growth Mindset is the Only Way to Learn
Ng, B. (2018). The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation. Brain Sciences, 8(2), 20. MDPI AG.
Wilson, D., & Conyers, M. (2016, December 15). Incorporating a Growth Mindset Into Your Teaching Practice.
Ackerman, C. (2018). What is Neuroplasticity? Definition + 14 Brain Plasticity Exercises. [online] Positivepsychologyprogram.com.
Briggs, S. (2018). 25 Ways to Develop a Growth Mindset - InformED. [online] InformED.
Talks, T. (2014, September 12) The power of yet | Carol S Dweck | TEDxNorrköping.
David L, "Mindset Theory – Fixed vs. Growth Mindset (Dweck)," in Learning Theories, December 14, 2015.
Decades of Scientific Research that Started a Growth Mindset Revolution. (2015, December).
Dweck, C. (2015). Carol Dweck Revisits the 'Growth Mindset'. [online] Stem.org.uk.ationWeek.pdf
Edudemic Staff. (2014, November 28). Why the Growth Mindset is the Only Way to Learn
Ng, B. (2018). The Neuroscience of Growth Mindset and Intrinsic Motivation. Brain Sciences, 8(2), 20. MDPI AG.
Wilson, D., & Conyers, M. (2016, December 15). Incorporating a Growth Mindset Into Your Teaching Practice.