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Being prepared to embrace challenges, learn, persist, improve continually.
A growth mindset refers to the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed and improved over time through dedication, hard work, and learning. Individuals with a growth mindset tend to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, and learn from criticism.
Key thinkers in this area:
Carol Dweck (1946- Present)
Key characteristics of a growth mindset include:
Embracing challenges: Learners with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. They understand that overcoming obstacles can lead to personal development.
Persistence: Learners with a growth mindset demonstrate resilience and perseverance. Instead of giving up in the face of difficulties, they view setbacks as a natural part of the learning process.
Effort as the path to mastery: Rather than relying solely on innate talent, learners with a growth mindset believe that effort is a crucial factor in achieving mastery. They understand that improvement requires consistent hard work.
Learning from criticism: Constructive criticism is seen as valuable feedback for growth. Individuals with a growth mindset use feedback to identify areas for improvement and view it as an essential aspect of their learning journey.
Inspired by the success of others: Instead of feeling threatened by others' achievements, individuals with a growth mindset are inspired and motivated by them. They see success in others as an opportunity to learn and improve.
Teaching strategies that are linked to metacognition
Shift the focus from praising intelligence or talent to acknowledging and praising effort, perseverance, and the process of learning.
Highlight that improvement comes through dedication and hard work.
Provide constructive feedback that focuses on effort, strategies, and progress rather than fixed traits. Encourage learners to view feedback as an opportunity for growth.
Educate learners about the brain's ability to grow and change. Share neuroscience findings that support the idea that intelligence is not fixed, helping learners understand the physical basis of learning.
Establish challenging yet achievable goals for learners . Encourage them to embrace challenges and view mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
Foster a classroom culture where mistakes are seen as a natural part of the learning process. Create an atmosphere that values collaboration, risk-taking, and the joy of learning.
Demonstrate a growth mindset as a teacher by sharing your own challenges, mistakes, and learning experiences. Model resilience, perseverance, and a passion for continuous improvement.
Share stories of individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success through dedication and hard work. Highlight role models who embody a growth mindset.
Incorporate reflective activities that prompt learners to think about their learning process, challenges faced, and strategies employed to overcome difficulties.
Guide learners in setting realistic and challenging goals. Break down long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps to foster a sense of accomplishment.
Offer learners opportunities to make choices in their learning. Autonomy helps develop a sense of ownership and encourages a growth mindset.
Celebrate not only final achievements but also the effort, progress, and improvements that learners make along the way. Highlight the journey, not just the destination.
Foster a classroom environment where questions are welcomed, and curiosity is encouraged. Show learners that asking questions and seeking understanding are integral to the learning process.
Read more here:
Claro, S. (2016). Growth mindset tempers the effects of poverty on academic achievement. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America., 113(31), 8664–8668.
Miller, D. (2019). When do growth mindset interventions work? Trends in Cognitive Sciences., 23(11), 910–912.
Ng, B. (2018). The neuroscience of growth mindset and intrinsic motivation. Brain Sciences., 8(2).
Yeager, D. (2019). A national experiment reveals where a growth mindset improves achievement. Nature., 573(7774), 364–369.
What factors influence the development of a learner's beliefs about intelligence and learning abilities?
In what ways does adopting a growth mindset positively influence learning outcomes for FES learners?
How can teachers foster a growth mindset in learners in the FES sector?
What strategies are effective in promoting a learner's positive attitude toward effort and learning in your subject specialism?
How does feedback impact learners with a growth mindset compared to those with a fixed mindset?
Are there cultural or contextual variations in the adoption and impact of a growth mindset?
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