Growth Mindset
In order for us to become lifelong learners we must develop a “growth mindset.” As described by Dr. Carol Dweck, a person with a growth mindset believes that they can develop their abilities through hard work and dedication. These beliefs differ from those of a “fixed mindset,” who believe that abilities are set in stone and cannot be improved even with practice. You are either good at something or not and it will not change, due to this belief they also do not take on challenges out of fear of failure. Both mindsets begin to develop early on in life and are influenced by the environment around us. Overall a growth mindset cultivates a positive attitude towards learning and personal development, fostering a lifelong love of learning and curiosity. During this course, I had the opportunity to revisit my Growth Mindset Plan and reflect on my progress.
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The power of
YET
The word “yet” is a powerful tool with limitless possibilities. Instead of holding you back with “I can’t do it” or “it’s too hard” the word “yet” can simply mean something we haven't learned to do, not something that we will never be able to do. It is crucial for the progress towards mastery be celebrated in the classroom, we all start somewhere and there is always something we do not know YET. Many students are discouraged when they cannot understand the content right away but the word “yet” can help them be patient with their learning and themselves.
This simple but powerful word has particular significance in the context of the growth mindset because it signifies the ongoing learning process rather than limitations or impossibilities. In the classroom we are all learners, educators and students alike. It is crucial for students to know that even as adults there are things we haven't learned YET as well. I will continue to emphasize the concept of 'yet' to my students as they learn, while also advancing in my journey as an educator.
How to Change Your Mindset
First, we need to recognize the “fixed mindset” voice when it appears. This voice may say things like, “I can’t do this,” “this is too hard,” or “I’m just not good at this.” Most people have experienced this voice while facing challenges. These fixed mindset beliefs can hold us back from trying new things and can stop our personal and professional growth.
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To change this mindset, we can follow four steps outlined by Scott Jeffrey, based on Carol Dweck's research. The first step is awareness: we should notice when the fixed mindset voice shows up and acknowledge it without judgment. The second step is reframing our thoughts; instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” we can think, “I haven’t learned this yet.”
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The third step is to embrace challenges. We should see challenges as chances to grow rather than as threats, which encourages us to explore and be resilient. The fourth step is to persist. This means continuing to learn and not giving up when things get tough. We should view feedback as a way to improve, not as criticism.
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In the classroom, it’s important to tell students that having these thoughts is normal, but we shouldn’t let them hold us back. As adults, we influence young minds, and our students learn from how we handle challenges. Our mindset affects theirs. By demonstrating a growth mindset and following these steps, we can inspire our students to take on challenges and keep learning.
Feedback and a Growth Mindset
The growth mindset can significantly help our learners change their view of feedback and their attitude towards cheating. When students embrace a growth mindset, they begin to see feedback as a valuable tool for improvement rather than a judgment of their abilities. This shift allows them to approach assessments and evaluations with curiosity rather than fear. Instead of feeling discouraged by criticism, they learn to appreciate constructive feedback as a roadmap for their development. This perspective not only fosters resilience but also encourages a continuous cycle of learning, where students actively seek out feedback to refine their skills and understanding.
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Furthermore, embracing a growth mindset transforms students' views on success. Rather than connecting good grades with success, they start to recognize that true achievement comes from overcoming challenges and mastering new concepts. They understand that learning is a journey filled with ups and downs, and each obstacle they face is an opportunity to grow. This realization helps them value effort and persistence over outcomes, making them more likely to take risks and explore new ideas without the fear of failure.
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A growth mindset can also shift students' attitudes towards cheating. When they appreciate the learning process and see the value in effort and improvement, they are less likely to resort to dishonest means to achieve high grades. Instead of seeking shortcuts, they develop a deeper understanding of the importance of integrity in their educational journey. By valuing personal growth over external validation, students become more committed to their own learning and are motivated to earn their achievements through hard work and dedication.
Resources for Growth Mindset in the Classroom
There are countless resources to help incorporate growth mindset in the classroom, below are a few that I plan to use to help my students develop their mindsets.
As an early elementary school teacher, this book is a great way for students to comprehend the limitless possibilities in their future. This can set the foundation to a growth mindset while still being engaging and age appropriate.
Y Is for Yet takes a unique approach to the alphabet book genre, using ABCs to introduce the concept of growth mindset and its endless possibilities. From Ability to Zany, children explore new vocabulary that broadens their self-perception as learners.
A book filled with mindful affirmations designed to instill in students a sense of boundless possibilities, where no obstacle is too formidable. It also empowers students to cultivate a growth mindset, providing them with tools to counteract the influence of a fixed mindset.
References
Dweck, C. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Ballantine Books.
Dweck, C. (2016). What having a “growth mindset” actually means. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
Jeffrey, S. (2024). How to change your mindset from fixed to growth: A definitive guide. Ceosage. Retrieved from https://scottjeffrey.com/how-to-change-your-mindset/
Stanford Alumni. (2014, October 9). Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ