The Full Story
Growth Mindset Plan
According to Dr Carol Dweck (2016), there are two types of mentalities that define our thinking, the fixed mentality, that believes that success is based on innate ability, and the growth mentality, that believes that success is based on hard work and tenacity.
These two ways of thinking play an important role in all aspects of a person's life. Dr Carol Dweck, in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, says that the growth mindset will allow a person to live a less stressful and more successful life. Moreover, people that recognize and use a growth mindset, can achieve success not only professionally, but in any aspect of their lives. However, ​​we all have our own fixed-mindset triggers. When we face challenges, receive criticism, or fare poorly compared with others, we can easily fall into insecurity or defensiveness, a response that inhibits growth (Dweck, 2008). The good news is that mindset is not something rigid. People can have a growth mindset at certain times and a fixed mindset at others. They may have different approaches to different challenges. And also your way of thinking can change over time.
How can we help our students to develop a growth mindset?
Teachers model a growth mindset to their students by seeing themselves as learners too, capable of improving and growing, open to new opportunities, new technologies and new methods to improve their teaching.
Teaching about brain development and neuroplasticity. - Teach students how the brain works, how neurons build connections every time we make an effort to learn and understand something new. Students become more interested in learning when they find out they can get smarter by rewiring their brains through study and practice
(Robinson, 2017).
Generating curiosity among students towards challenges. - Finding ways to communicate that challenges are good, with questions like: How could you make this activity more challenging? Or, How could you do it better?
Speaking to students using words that foster persistence, ability and a positive attitude to achieve their dreams despite obstacles and difficulties.
Using the word “YET” rather than saying that they have failed instills the belief that learning is continuous and that success will come over time if they keep trying.
Sharing learning experiences with students gives them the opportunity to observe different approaches that others take to solve problems.
A culture of high expectations and valuable feedback are hallmarks of a growth mindset classroom. A growing mindset suggests to students that whatever they want to achieve is possible with patience and hard work.
References
Helmke, S.(2020, August) Encourage a Growth Mindset in Teachers. Coaches Notebook. Retrieve from
Robinson, C. (2017, October, Vol.41,Iss 2) Growth Mindset in the Classroom. Science Scope. Retrieve from
https://www.proquest.com/openview/3320caa09bcbde834e12840c6575793d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=36017
Jeffery, S. A Complete Guide to Changing Your Fixed Mindset into a Growth Mindset. CEOsage. Retrieve from
https://scottjeffrey.com/change-your-fixed-mindset
Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books
Dweck, C. (2015, September). Carol Dweck Revisits the ‘Growth Mindset’. Commentary, Education Week. Retrieve from
ttps://portal.cornerstonesd.ca/group/yyd5jtk/documents/carol%20dweck%20growth%20mindsets.pdf