What is a Growth Mindset?

What is a growth mindset?

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“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment,” Carol Dweck

 When students first come to understand that learning can rewire the brain and increase their intelligence, they often become more interested in learning and less afraid to do things that might make them “look dumb.” In other words, they develop a growth mindset. ... Growth mindset is about growth, not just about effort.

I use Growth Mindset and related terms daily in my classroom.  My undergraduate degree is in Psychology and I love to give the students the power of knowing how their brain works and grows.  In our class we will set goals, talk about our "brain growing" talk about how challenges help us and the "power of yet".  The following link is a great printable to keep at home.  I have it hanging on my refrigerator for my own two girls.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B82ynViwfDp0elZ4dE0xdk9STDg/view?ct=t()&mc_cid=a6d293e72a&mc_eid=ad04c87049

How to learn anything:

1.Believe you can learn

2. Be engaged

3,Stretch outside of your comfort zone

4. Do it a lot

5.Make lots of mistakes

6.Do it more

Growth Mindset video

 Top 85 books on Growth Mindset for kids

The Power of Yet

Your brain is a muscle

 One of my favorite words is "yet"!  Check it out!

Power of Yet

The longer that I teach the more I see a need for teaching students to have a Growth Mindset.  Carol Dweck is the lead researcher on Growth Mindset.  Here is a link to her book if you would like to learn more. Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

Growth Mindset is about more than praising the effort. It is about learning the value of mistakes and trying different strategies. It is about the process of learning and knowing not everyone has a growth mindset all the time but by using the word "yet" and being open to constructive feedback we can challenge and strengthen our brains.  Here is an article with more information on praise. Carol Dweck article

Lastly here is some information that I put together as a resource for other educators.

Growth Mindset Slide Show