How to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset
Imagine this: Two students, Jameson and Deepa, are presented with a challenging math problem. Jameson, with a fixed mindset, immediately thinks, “I’m just not good at math,” and gives up. Deepa, on the other hand, possesses a growth mindset and says to herself, “I may not know how to solve this yet, but I can learn.”
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. According to psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her mindset research, “Individuals who believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset” (HBR, 2016). While the term “growth mindset” has been a buzzword in many major fields, it comes down to having the willingness to learn and having self-compassion during the process.
How Can We Help Students Today?
1. Encourage Positive Language:
One of the most effective ways to cultivate a growth mindset in students is by encouraging them to use positive and growth-oriented language. Language has a powerful influence on our thoughts and actions. By making small changes in the words they use daily, students can shift their thinking in a positive direction. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” they can say, “I can’t do this yet.” This simple shift acknowledges the potential for change and growth. As an educator, this can mean incorporating exercises that encourage positive language. For instance, you can ask students to reframe negative statements into growth-oriented ones. If a student says, “This is too hard,” prompt them to rephrase it as, “This may be challenging, but I can learn from it.”
2. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity:
Failure is an integral part of the learning process. Those with a growth mindset see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. They understand that making mistakes is an essential aspect of improvement. Educators should create a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and making errors. By doing so, students learn to see failures as valuable learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Creating a classroom atmosphere where failure is seen as a stepping stone to success is essential. For example, you can establish norms that explicitly acknowledge the importance of making mistakes. You might create a “Wall of Mistakes” where students post examples of errors they’ve made in their learning journey. This can serve as a visual reminder that mistakes are valued.
3. Provide Constructive Feedback:
Feedback plays a vital role in developing a growth mindset. Teachers should offer specific and constructive feedback that focuses on effort and strategies rather than innate abilities. According to MIT Teaching + Learning Lab, “Targeted feedback gives students an idea of what they did well and how they can improve in relation to the learning criteria”. (MIT, 2023). This helps students understand that their improvement is within their control and not determined by fixed traits. When giving feedback on a student’s work, emphasize the strategies and approaches they used. Instead of, “You’re so smart,” say, “Your thoughtful analysis of the problem shows your determination to understand and improve.” Feedback that highlights their progress and suggests strategies for improvement reinforces the idea that they can grow and improve.