Teaching Students about Brain Plasticity

Fostering a growth mindset within a classroom can be achieved through educating students about the plasticity of the brain. Breaking down the anatomy, and intricacies of the brain may seem like a dull task to students at first, but over time they will become more familiar with its function within the human body. As educators we can help students understand that like any muscle within the body, the brain is malleable and can be developed. We can help encourage and show students what this looks like by practicing various elements of growth mindset such as: goal setting, accepting feedback, and staying motivated. Students need to understand that although they may believe something is unachievable, through perseverance, and dedication anything is possible. Our mindsets are not set in stone, we are not doomed unless we never strive to change anything. Like anything else, because our brains are so malleable, we can change our views into being more progressive, and positive. Our mindsets can change from being fixed to becoming growth mindsets.

Carol Dweck emphasizes teaching students about the “power of yet,” which defines the ability to understand that you are on a learning curve. Essentially having a “power of yet” mentality, helps students recognize that while something may seem as a failure now, with time and practice, it can become a success. By teaching students about neuroplasticity of the brain, we are establishing foundational elements of what having a growth mindset is. We are demonstrating the fact that the brain is capable of change as they are.

In a study that investigated the effects of teaching the concept of neuroplasticity, results indicated a positive effect on motivation, achievement and brain activity (Sarrasin, 2018). As educators, we can emphasize the importance of brain activity and its effect on our overall mindset as human beings. Students will be more inclined to participate and be engaged when they can relate to what is being taught. If they comprehend that the brain changes as they change in their lives, mindsets can also do the same.

Resources:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0mgOOSpLU

Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211949318300024?casa_token=SZjh7obpp-MAAAAA:xasYUd4y04GgVS1WfFDHzPnmbQOaW4igZgx5DP8vgSzL9aBNHVQWvANQs2WmjazgrJRcBPr9Fa0

Article: https://www.mindsethealth.com/matter/growth-vs-fixed-mindset