Growth mindset is a huge buzz word at the moment, and for good reason.
Growth mindset is so important because it sets the stage for how a person will respond in the face of adversity, challenge and criticism. This is especially true for education and students. As a kindergarten classroom teacher, I can tell from an early age that students are already developing fixed mindsets. As Eduardo Briceno (2012) put it, often parents and teachers alike give praise that focuses on the child’s talents and abilities, rather than praising based on their progress, learning and the process. Changing our own mindsets to be able to praise in this way is crucial to our student’s success and what they think about themselves
When looking at the graphic by Nigel Holmes, a fixed mindset and growth mindset are so drastically different. It is clear to see that a person with a fixed mindset avoids challenges and bases their worth off of how well they can or cannot do something. Where a person with a growth mindset is the exact opposite. They see each challenge as an opportunity to learn, to find others to help them and take criticism as another way to improve. Their worth is not caught up in how well they can do a task, but instead know they are worth continuing to try. They believe that they are capable and will learn and grow through challenges, setbacks, and effort.
Telling a child that they are smart is not inherently bad, but it can shift the focus of the receiver of that praise. It allows them to believe yes, they are smart, but when they face a challenge, they then come face to face with the thoughts of whether they really are or not.
As an educator we hold so much power in the words that we speak over these young learners. We have the power to build them up believing that they can learn to do something hard or the power to tell them they never will. My hope is to empower them to believe in the yet and work through processes and failures to help them learn and grow into whoever they can be.
References
Briceno, E. (2012, Nov. 18). The Power of Belief -- Mindset and Success [Video]. TED. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN34FNbOKXc
Dweck, C. [Stanford Alumni]. (2014, Oct. 9). Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ
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