Foster Growth Mindset
Overview
Growth mindset is the belief that people can grow their intelligence and abilities (through effort, good strategies, and support from others). Educators can foster a growth mindset, an aspect of Learner Mindset, by providing feedback that recognizes effort and normalizes mistakes, and encouraging learners to ask for help when needed. In addition, a growth mindset can be fostered by teaching learners that brains are malleable, that intellectual ability can be developed over time, and modeling the learning process which helps students become more resilient when they struggle. It is important to note that while students with learning disabilities benefit from a growth mindset, they may be more hesitant to take risks that support it due to feeling vulnerable about their learning struggles. Research has shown fostering a growth mindset is particularly effective in reducing the impact of Stereotype Threat on student performance, and can support emotional well-being. It is important to note that simply telling students about the concept of a growth mindset is unlikely to have an impact on its own: students need environments that provide opportunities to apply and benefit from their growth mindset.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how teachers and students from PS/IS 266 share ways they foster growth mindset by holding high expectations, normalizing error, using peer feedback, and prompt cards. They reflect on how by focusing on growth mindset practices over time they've seen an impact on students persistence, understanding of learning differences, stereotypes, and teachers own willingness to take academic risks.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Teacher Modeling & Support Strategies
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Providing students a voice in their learning is critical for making learning meaningful.
