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The growth mindset is a theory that supports the concept of learning based on our perception of ourselves and our potential. Experts in the field of growth mindset believe that there are two types of mindsets, the fixed mindset and growth mindset. Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is something a person has naturally; you are either intelligent or you are not intelligent. This effects students in different ways. If they have always been told that they were smart and praised for always having the right answer, they may not challenge themselves or try new things for fear of failure. The experience of failure would mean they were unintelligent based on their beliefs. These students will make excuses when they get the wrong answer instead of admitting to their mistake and using their mistake as an opportunity to grow.
Individuals on the other end of the fixed mindset believe that they are not smart; they believe that they will never learn math or some other subject because they do not possess the right qualities. These people say things like, "I am just not a math person". I believe these types of statements to be poison; they stifle growth. I believe all students can grow and I believe the failure and mistakes are an important aspect of growth.
Research shows that the brain actually grows when a person makes a mistake. We use this fact as a motivator in our classroom. Students are encourage to push themselves and they are never judged for making mistakes. We encourage risks and hard work. Even though we avoid saying things like, "You're so smart" we still believe strongly in praise. However, that praise is for the hard work and achievement.
I working on am compiling several links that I find helpful. Please return to this page for more updates.
Links
An Animated Video on Growth mindset by the top researcher Carol Dweck
"Mathematical Mindeset" is very good reading for parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
Develop Growth Mindsets in the Classroom is a great book for teachers and administrators
YouCubed is an amazing resource for useful information on the Growth Mindset and learning for parents, teachers, and students.
Sign up for your Mindset Kit
Class Dojo is an online classroom system designed for communication and tracking behaviors as well as promoting the concept of a Growth Mindset.
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