Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset

Growth mindset is the belief that a person’s abilities and intelligence can be developed through the process of practice, hard work, and dedication. Instead of focusing on seemingly “innate” talents and abilities, we should expect students to engage in the learning process, talk to them about how their brain works, and encourage them to put in the maximum amount of effort and dedication.

• Take risks
• Learn from their mistakes
• Seek feedback
• Be motivated and engaged

• Put forth more effort
• Challenge themselves
• Show resilience and grit
• Learn

Third grade is extremely challenging! They are on new academic territory, facing more social pitfalls, physically growing and changing, and emotionally balanced between wanting independence and still being a kid. The best way to help them through is to develop healthy habits for their bodies and brains.

The most important component of growth mindset is how students experience setbacks. In order for them to learn to navigate those waters, they must be allowed to experience failures and natural consequences. Students (and adults!) without growth mindset tend to see failure as personal, pervasive, and permanent. For instance, making mistakes on a math test may make them feel personally ashamed, trick them into believing that they “are bad at math” and leave them with nothing they can do to get better.

We all need to have high expectations for our students, but should make sure the demands come with support and encouragement. We need to communicate that we believe in the student's ability pick up the pieces and move on. Instead of focusing praise on how “smart” or naturally talented student is, try to praise and reflect on process. Say “you worked really hard on that” or “now that you’ve done this, you will be even better next time.”