Power of Growth Mindset

I’ll be honest, after watching the 2 videos from the previous course and the graphic that compares the Fixed Mindset to the Growth Mindset, I realized that I have a more Fixed Mindset than the Growth Mindset. To some extent, almost all the tendencies listed under the Fixed Mindset were somewhat true for me. Until recently, a few years ago, Growth Mindset became a thing we talked about at my school. But now, the Growth Mindset is even more emphasized and focused on because the student’s mindset was greatly impacted by the pandemic.  As an educator, I have been very successful at what I do. Closing the achievement gap and raising the expectations for all students. However, teaching the Growth Mindset or the “Power of Yet” were neglected. Since the first introduction of Growth Mindset at my school, I have been a learner, steadily becoming more like having a Growth Mindset. Fully having a Growth Mindset? No. But realized the importance of having a Growth Mindset to reach my full potential. Yes. 

I believe that adopting the growth mindset not only changes the way you learn but also the way you teach. At my school, we get observations and walkthroughs from our appraiser very often, and having a growth mindset will change the way we process feedback. Similarly, teaching students the importance of a growth mindset and helping them transition to a more growth mindset-like mind will help them focus on the processes of learning rather than only the end result. 

As educators, there are many ways to help students develop a growth mindset, however, all of the methods or activities need to be consistent and ongoing. We need put promote effort and persistence, celebrate learning from mistakes, set realistic expectations, and celebrate progress toward it. In addition, we need to shift the emphasis from grades to the learning process. Encourages students to take pride in their efforts, strategies, and progress. Nonetheless, as Angela Lee Duckworth mentioned and put emphasis on the importance of GRIT, we need also to help students develop GRIT by fostering resilience and determination, reinforcing that success often requires sustained effort.