Growth Mindset - The Educator Perspective
Talking about Growth Mindset with former student Dr. Connor Robertson
The Prospecting Show by Dr. Connor Robertson… podcast.
The concept of a growth mindset has become increasingly popular in education in recent years. This term, coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, refers to the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence. In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that abilities are innate and cannot be changed. Implementing growth mindset strategies in the science classroom can have a significant impact on student success and engagement.
The first step in creating a growth mindset classroom is to model this attitude for students. Teachers should demonstrate a willingness to take risks, embrace challenges, and learn from failures. When students see their teacher taking on challenges with a positive attitude, they are more likely to adopt a similar approach. Simon Sinek, author of "Start with Why," stresses the importance of leading by example. He says, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."
Another key component of a growth mindset classroom is a focus on effort rather than ability. Students should be praised for their hard work, persistence, and dedication. Angela Duckworth, author of "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," emphasizes the importance of this mindset in achieving success. She writes, "Effort counts twice." By emphasizing the importance of effort, students are more likely to see setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than indications of their abilities.
James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," suggests that teachers focus on small wins to build momentum. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks, students can build confidence and stay motivated. Celebrating these small victories can help students see the progress they are making and stay focused on their long-term goals.
Finally, Vanessa Van Edwards, author of "Captivate," suggests incorporating social learning into the classroom. By allowing students to work together and learn from each other, teachers can create a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. Van Edwards emphasizes the importance of social learning in building confidence and developing new skills. She writes, "Social proof is one of the most powerful psychological triggers because we assume that if everyone else is doing it, it must be the right thing to do."
Incorporating growth mindset strategies into the science classroom can have a significant impact on student engagement and success. By modeling a growth mindset, emphasizing effort, focusing on small wins, and promoting social learning, teachers can create an environment that encourages students to take risks, embrace challenges, and persist through setbacks. As Carol Dweck writes, "The view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life."
