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"In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh, I'm going to reveal my weaknesses, you say, wow, here's a chance to grow."

- Carol S. Dweck -
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Fixed Mindset​:
Someone is said to have a fixed mindset when she/he assumes that the ability or intelligence an individual has is something that cannot be changed. Many times, individuals who have a fixed mindset about ability or intelligence believe you either "have it or you don't"  in regard to abilities, skills or understandings.

Growth Mindset:
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can be developed through hard work, use of effective strategies, and help from others when it is needed. The major component of growth mindset is that intelligence is not fixed, but that it has the potential to grow and change.
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Why is it Important to Teach our Students to Have a Growth Mindset?

Why is Having a Growth Mindset Important in Mathematics?​

How Can Educators Develop Growth Mindsets within our Students?
​If student's have a growth mindset, they will believe that with hard work they will be able to achieve! Students' mindsets will affect how they approach challenges in school and how they perceive these challenges.

When student's have a fixed mindset, they might view school as threatening because of the many challenges it presents for them. They might also give up when they are faced with setbacks or challenges rather than persist and respond to adversity.

​If we help our students develop a growth mindset they will instead view challenges as a way to optimize their learning potential and be more willing to take risks or engage in challenging tasks which they will see as an opportunity to grow.

​mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/learning-mindsets/growth-mindset/#
The research by Jo Boaler tells us that a growth mindset in mathematics is important for several reasons:
  • A myth many have about mathematics is that you either have ability in mathematics or you don't. This is not true, but when students believe it is true, these negative messages they internalize about themselves in math may lead to the self-fulfilling prophecy .
  • Another myth about mathematics is there is a "math wall" or barrier in the level of mathematics which one can achieve. This is certainly not true. When teachers believe in their students ability to achieve math at the highest levels, and students internalize this belief, they will be able to do so.
  • Students of color and females are more positively impacted when they have growth mindsets in mathematics.​
www.youcubed.org/resource/growth-mindset/
  • Ensure you have a growth mindset yourself as the teacher and communicate growth mindset messages to students, especially during challenging tasks.
  • teach students the neuroscience behind the plasticity of the brain which explains how a brain grows through effort and trying new strategies 
  • communicate to students that making mistakes and seeking help in challenging tasks to correct mistakes or misconceptions is an important part of the learning process because it allows neurological development
  • interact with your students in a positive and impactful way; commend their efforts towards achievement and when they exhibit resiliency after making mistakes rather than only their achievements in terms of grade​
mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/learning-mindsets/growth-mindset/#

Click below to download an infographic on teacher best practices for growth mindset!

teacher-practice-infographic.pdf
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Links to Additional Resources on Growth Mindset:

​mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/What-We-Know-About-Growth-Mindset.pdf
​mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/NSLM-Two-Pager-v4.pdf
​mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Praise-That-Makes-Learners-More-Reslient.pdf