Growth Mindset
What is Growth Mindset ?
Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychology professor carried out research which showed that underlying beliefs about intelligence can have a dramatic impact on education. Her research stated that we have both a fixed and growth mindset.
We have a fixed mindset about our ability to fly. No amount of practice or self-belief in your ability to do this will cause it to happen. So in a fixed mindset, people believe that their qualities and intelligence cannot change.
Dweck has stated that people with a fixed mindset believe that their talent alone creates success without effort.’ (Dweck, 2015)
Dweck has also stated that a growth mindset is when people believe that their abilities can be improved through hard work and dedication and that, according to Dweck, brains and talent are just the starting point. (Dweck, 2015)
How does Growth Mindset relate to education?
When teachers exhibit a growth mindset they are more likely to establish high expectations for their students. They do this through effective classroom practice which engages pupils and recognises that everyone has the capacity to do better.
These resources provide you with more information about Growth Mindset including how you may embrace this in both your thinking and teaching as well as across your school's curriculum.
If you wish to find out more about growth mindset, please watch the videos below.
Growth MIndset Video
Growth Mindset Animation
Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck
Carol Dweck: A Study on Praise and Mindsets
These Powerpoint presentations have been put together to extend your professional expertise. They can be used as part of your own professional learning journey or to support staff development within your school.
Explaining Growth Mindset to Primary Pupils 1 of 5
1. Active Learning to Promote Growth Mindset in the classroom and Address Gender Related Issues
Objectives:
to reflect on gender issues in teaching and learning
to examine a growth mindset in teaching and learning
to explore growth mindset in a whole-school context and at home.
to provide examples of writing activities which promote a growth mindset in literacy