Growth Mindset Plan

What is it? Why is it so important? 

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“no matter what your ability is, effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment.” (Dweck 2014)


“True self-confidence is “the courage to be open—to welcome change and new ideas regardless of their source.” Real self-confidence is not reflected in a title, an expensive suit, a fancy car, or a series of acquisitions. It is reflected in your mindset: your readiness to grow.”
(Dweck, 2014)

In Carol Dweck's Research, she discusses the concept of a growth mindset and its impact on allowing you to achieve your full potential if you take the risk and fail forward. Students who adapt this mindset embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. 

Having a growth mindset helps learners overcome challenges in learning and skill development. By shifting your mindset, you transform the way you learn. Embracing the idea that your talents and hard work are not cut down by failure, but can be developed and expanded upon, allows you to explore more and achieve greater success.

The Power of YET

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The message of "yet" is a beacon of hope for many learners if we set it to be the mindset. When learners are seeking improvement, it becomes even more valuable. "Yet" turns 'not there yet' into 'on the way!' It turns feedback into nourishment learners can use to grow instead of a barrier shutting them down. 
As educators, it's important to change how we present challenges to students who struggle with tasks. We should celebrate their progress and communicate the message that they may not have mastered something "yet" so they can see challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. 

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The Growth Mindset plays a crucial role in evaluations. When students receive assessment results, they often form immediate preconceptions about themselves based on success or failure. Encouraging a Growth Mindset—focusing on effort, strategies, hard work, focus, and perseverance—can significantly impact their overall success. Rather than emphasizing innate talent or intelligence, we should praise individuals for their process and dedication. (Dweck, 2014)

Mindset Matters: What's the Difference? 

Growth Mindset

Learners with a growth mindset believe that intelligence and skills can be developed through hard work, learning and practice. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. They embrace their difficulties and setbacks as part of the learning process.

"In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates love of learning and resilience that is essential for great accomplishment." (Dweck 2015)

Fixed Mindset 

Learners with a fixed mindset believe that intelligence and skills are traits you are born with and can't be changed. If you have a fixed mindset you would view challenges as a barrier that keep you from reaching your full potential of success. Many learners with this mindset struggle with pushing through these barriers because they feel defeated in the skill.

​“In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.” (Dweck, 2015)

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Embrace the Challenge: Grow your Mindset, Grow your Success

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A Roadmap to Unlocking Your Full Potential

1. Notice that nagging voice whispering "you can't" in your ear! That is your fixed mindset talking. Recognize it and reflect on it.

2. Understand that you have a choice! Challenge the voice inside with a growth mindset. Welcome challenges and learn from feedback.

3. Stay positive! Replace your fixed mindset voice with positive affirmations. For example, "This is tough, but in the long run, it's going to make me successful."

4. Take action! Embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate effort. Remember, growth takes time, so be patient and consistent.

Implementation and Promotion of a Growth Mindset

Prepare your Students 

-Integrate a wide range of growth mindset books.
-Let it be seen.... let students see positive words of growth.
​-Class discussions and teachable moments to explain and promote a growth mindset in the classroom/meetings/presentations.
-Videos, commercials, or TED Talks that are relatable to students that show resilience and effort.

Prepare Your Teachers: Resources

Expanding a teacher's toolkit can greatly benefit their academic year. 

Here are some recommended books for developing growth mindset:
Here are  some recommended videos for developing a growth mindset: 
Books:
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D.
The Innovators Mindset by George Couros
The Growth Mindset Playbook by Annie Brock and Hannah Hundley 

Embracing Growth: My Personal Impact

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I always remind myself that there is still work to be done as I reflect on my journey towards having a growth mindset. I sometimes find myself slipping into a fixed mindset due to the culture of life at times. When I started my career in education, I was introduced to the concept of a growth mindset, and it completely changed my perspective on how I approach challenges. This shift was not only important for me, but it also impacted the way I influence my students. Now, I view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and this mindset has significantly reduced the pressure I used to put on myself. I understand that this is not a destination but a journey, and by embracing a continuous commitment to growth, I am discovering the potential within myself that I didn't know existed.

Resources