Growth Mindset

The concept of Growth Mindset was developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, Ph.D. at Stanford University. A growth mindset emphasizes praising the child's efforts, persistence, and trying new strategies when they are stuck, and that this will lead to success over time. Dr. Dweck emphasizes a growth mindset over a fixed mindset, where emphasizing and praising a child's ability and intelligence may not help the child succeed as the child feels their abilities are what they are (fixed) and cannot be changed. Learning is all about starting at the edge of our capabilities and pushing beyond them. Children with a growth mindset will embrace challenge, seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Children who have a growth mindset are more likely to keep working hard towards a goal, believing that all that stands between them and success is the right amount of effort.