Understanding Mindset

There is a burgeoning amount of research and resources out there on mindset in education. Here are a few of our favorites:

• “The Effort Effect”  by Carol Dweck
• This easy-to-digest graphic, also by Carol Dweck
• This engaging Ted Talk by Eduardo Briceno
• Jo Boaler’s recent book on mathematical mindsets

CraftED Cliff Notes: The brain is a muscle that, like any other, can grow with exercise. What this means is that students need to know that their efforts will lead to improvement, and therefore need to have a growth, rather than a fixed mindset.

 

Why it’s Important

Amongst many reasons, It’s critical for students to have an academic mindset because this is the condition that makes them ripe for learning. Not only does it increase the chances of students persisting in school, but it also sets them up to be a life-long learner and contributor to our society. The development of academic mindsets requires that students get to know themselves as a learner. “Learning how to learn”, as Hewlett defines it is a valuable skill that will benefit students in all future endeavors. And finally, the success of our country to compete in a global economy  is dependent upon the future workforce. If we are to develop innovators we must foster their skill-sets and demeanors accordingly. The greatest inventors in history were also some of the greatest failures at one point. We must teach our students that failure can lead to success, and that is only possible with an academic mindset.  

Ok, so you are on board with this whole mindset thing, now how do you do it?! Read on for some tips for your craft:

1. Have an end in mind

It’s important to have an ultimate mindset goal from which you are thinking, working, planning backward. Think about when your students graduate, what demeanors would you like them to embody? How do you want to see themselves as learners? How do you want them to think about learning? From that point on, scaffold back how you will get them there! Some organizations, such as BIE call this “the Ideal graduate exercise”. New Tech Network made their mark with their big goals for student learners through their agency rubric. Hewlett has articulated their vision through the Deeper Learning Competencies. And more familiar to many, may be your local district initiatives and learning targets for students.

2. Be Mindful of language

This one is more difficult than it sounds. When I first learned about the research behind growth mindset I became aware of how often I actually used phrases, which I had previously thought were complimentary, that were antithetical to fostering a growth mindset. For example, what parent or grandparent isn’t mesmerized by the brilliance of their grand/child? And what’s the most natural phrase that comes out of your mouth in reaction to their prodigal behavior?…”you are SO smart!” I was guilty of saying this to my children and students ALL the time when I was amazed by them. Now in our household we focus on honoring practice and effort and being very specific at what we are impressed by, as it relates to those two behaviors. If you are interested in reading more on how words can impact student agency, I highly recommend Choice Words by Peter Johnson.

 

Let’s stop there, just those 2 things can make a big difference! How does the research on mindset resonate with you and your life experiences?  What would you like try out that will help foster a growth mindset in your children or students?

 

Check back on our blog later this month for tips 3-6 on Mindset Must-Dos!

If you are interested in more research or classroom ideas on mindset check out and follow our Pinterest Board  I also invite you to join our #deeperlearningchat on Twitter on May 12th at 6 pm PST, which will be on student reflection, a pillar to fostering growth mindset in our students.