April 2014-Parent Tip on Growth Versus Fixed Mindset
The image above came from http://www.thespartanissue.org/student-life/2013/12/06/your-mindset-can-determine-your-future/. It does a good job of showing the differences between a fixed and growth mindset. Fixed versus growth "mindsets" came out of Carol Dweck's research on 5th graders. She evaluated how the students reacted to praise based on overall intelligence and abilities versus process and effort. In her research, students were praised two different ways; for their "smarts" and for effort. The students that were praised for effort and process took on more challenges and learned from their mistakes. The students that were praised for their intelligence or being "smart", ended up quitting a difficult task sooner than the students praised for effort. In addition, the students who were praised for being "smart" did not want to take on difficult tasks for fear of failure and that their "smart" image may shatter as a result.
In summary, if a child believes that his/her intelligence cannot change, he/she has a "fixed" mindset. If a child believes that his/her intelligence can improve and/or change, he/she has a "growth" mindset. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2007) explains these concepts and how shifting the type of praise one gives to kids; parents and teachers can encourage success, "grit", and persistence. A website that explains the concept of mindset more is http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/.
Finally, two important words to tell kids when they are challenged by something is "not yet". For example, "You don't understand these math concepts...yet." This implies there is room to grow and anything is possible. :)
The video below examines these two different mindsets in an easy to understand way.
Thanks,
Jennifer
In summary, if a child believes that his/her intelligence cannot change, he/she has a "fixed" mindset. If a child believes that his/her intelligence can improve and/or change, he/she has a "growth" mindset. Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (2007) explains these concepts and how shifting the type of praise one gives to kids; parents and teachers can encourage success, "grit", and persistence. A website that explains the concept of mindset more is http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/.
Finally, two important words to tell kids when they are challenged by something is "not yet". For example, "You don't understand these math concepts...yet." This implies there is room to grow and anything is possible. :)
The video below examines these two different mindsets in an easy to understand way.
Thanks,
Jennifer