Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

Your mind can be a powerful thing. How you feel about yourself or what you tell yourself can prevent change from happening or keep new skills from developing. This is true for us as teachers but also true for our students. 

Carol Dweck is known for her work in growth mindset vs. fixed mindset. Here is how she describes the two...

In a fixed mindset students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don't necessarily think everyone's the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it. 

- Carol Dweck, Stanford University

Check out this video on growth mindset from a student's perspective:

Full video: https://goo.gl/4DKZyr - Thanks for sharing @MrsRitter86

How can we help our students have a growth mindset?

Growth mindset can be a powerful motivator. Teach students that the brain is like a muscle that gets stronger with practice in overcoming challenges. Teachers who incorporate a growth mindset also provide feedback and give students an opportunity to revise work. They create a classroom where students are encouraged to take on challenges, try new strategies and acknowledge and explain their mistakes. These classrooms are safe environments where students feel comfortable taking risks.

As we work to develop growth mindsets in our students, take time to think about your mindset. Most people are a combination of fixed mindset and growth mindset. How can you create that perfect balance of fixed mindset and growth mindset in yourself?

Want to learn more about growth mindset, contact your instructional coach!