Adopting a Growth Mindset for Enhanced Learning

Research indicates that students who embrace a growth mindset are more inclined to push their limits, believe in their potential for achievement, and develop into resilient and creative problem solvers. Educators can significantly influence their students' mindsets.

What is a growth mindset?

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can be developed and expanded over time. Conversely, a fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence is static and unchangeable.

This concept was introduced by Stanford professor Carol Dweck in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2006).

Growth mindset and learning

Dweck’s research demonstrates that students with a growth mindset tend to outperform those with a fixed mindset. In their study on academic tenacity, Dweck and her colleagues found that a student’s view of intelligence is crucial to their academic resilience and learning. Students may see intelligence as either a fixed trait (fixed mindset) or as something that can be cultivated through effort and learning (growth mindset).

Those with a fixed mindset often feel pressured to demonstrate their intelligence rather than improve it. This can result in negative feelings and behaviors, such as feeling “dumb,” becoming discouraged, or giving up when faced with challenges.

In contrast, students with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities for growth. They typically respond to setbacks with constructive thoughts, such as considering new strategies, and exhibit persistence and excitement in overcoming obstacles.

Fostering a growth mindset

Here are some strategies to promote a growth mindset among your students, enhancing their learning and resilience:

1. Educate students about growth mindset: Create a handout explaining the concept, key research findings, and its importance. Many students may not realize they are operating with a fixed mindset or that they can consciously adopt a growth mindset with practice.

2. Challenge fixed beliefs about abilities: Remind students that the skills they are developing can be honed over time. For example, you might say, “Anyone can improve at math” or “Writing skills are not inherent; we are learning them together.”

3. Model perseverance: Share your own experiences of struggling with difficult material and how practice leads to mastery. Acknowledge when you don’t know something and involve students in finding answers together.

4. Encourage critical thinking: Use open-ended questions that require students to think critically rather than simply recall information.

5. Reinforce effort and persistence: Acknowledge students’ hard work and resilience, particularly when they seek help or revise their work. Avoid labeling students as “gifted” or “smart,” focusing instead on their efforts.

6. Promote growth through assessments: Assign tasks that allow for reflection and improvement, like drafts or revisions. Consider flexible grading strategies, such as allowing revisions for extra credit.

7. Support effective learning strategies: Provide resources on effective study techniques, test-taking strategies, and other approaches to help students engage with the material.

Different viewpoints on growth mindset

Advocates argue that teaching a growth mindset encourages risk-taking and enhances learning. Critics, however, caution that the concept can be oversimplified. Some suggest that an overemphasis on effort may overlook the significant role of instructors and institutions in the learning process.

Rethinking growth mindset, effort, and praise

Dweck has revisited her concept and highlighted the need to avoid oversimplification. She asserts that a growth mindset involves more than just effort; it requires positive reinforcement and constructive feedback for meaningful growth. Additionally, she warns against attributing students' struggles solely to a fixed mindset, encouraging educators to support students in their journey toward embracing a growth mindset.

As educators, it's essential to recognize that we all experience a mix of growth and fixed mindsets. Being mindful of our reactions to setbacks can help us foster a growth mindset in our students.