Description
A growth mindset is a conviction that regards intelligence not as fixed, but as malleable. This conviction influences the way people engage in a learning process, in particular the targets they set for themselves, the way they cope with difficulties, and hence the results they achieve. The concept is also used more widely for a growth-oriented approach to talent in a broader sense.
How it works
Thinking with a growth mindset is, for both the teacher and their students, a precondition to do full justice to feedback. If the teacher and/or students believe in the progress of learners, then they know that hard work will lead to success. This result is independent of (sufficiently) achieving the learning objectives, but assumes that students can learn if they put in enough effort.
If students have a growth mindset, they are prepared to take risks in order to learn. They do not see failure as a lack of talent, but as a normal part of the learning process. These learners know that failure is necessary in order to learn. Moreover, when they fail, they will look for strategies to succeed next time.
While students with a fixed mindset take criticism personally and are more focused on the question whether they will pass, students with a growth mindset will consider this feedback as a learning opportunity.
Tips
- A lot of research shows that one's mindset can change. By approaching students consistently with a growth mindset, teacher teams can change their students' mindset.
- A growth mindset is especially important for students with low self-esteem. Students with underprivileged backgrounds too can achieve higher success rates by adopting a growth mindset.
Examples
A student refuses to carry out a challenging assignment after the teacher had praised her. The teacher is disappointed. It seems that the student tries to keep her 'good' image by avoiding any challenge. After all, if she were to take up the challenge, she might 'lose face' in front of her classmates and/or the teacher. Take a look at the (Dutch) sample statements below to see how working from a growth mindset can change this situation: