The best thing [teachers] can do is to teach their [students] to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.
–Carol Dweck, Psychologist, Stanford University
Growth mindset theory suggests that how we think about learning affects what we can learn.
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck details two distinct mindsets:
- A fixed mindset sees our abilities as set in stone, that we’re given certain talents and intelligences at birth and that’s that.
- A growth mindset says we develop our abilities over time, through effort, feedback, and healthy challenge.
Those with a fixed mindset shrink from difficulty, fearful that any lack of ability will get exposed. Those with a growth mindset rise to any given challenge, confident that they can develop their abilities as they go through dedication and hard work.
Inquiries for leaders:
- How can I create a growth mindset culture?
- What’s my best approach to failure and risk-taking?
- How can I hire people who will keep improving?
Inquiries for educators:
- How can I help my students get more resilient in the face of challenge?
- How can I challenge my tendency to give up on certain students?
- What types of feedback will help my students grow most?
Inquiries for individuals:
- How can I build the abilities I’ve always dreamed of?
- Where in my life do I have a fixed mindset? Where do I have a growth mindset?
- How can I better advocate for myself in the face of criticism from others?
Show me sample Growth Mindset programs.
Growth Mindset TED WORDS Blog Posts:
