Growth Mindset
A person’s mindset describes their beliefs and attitudes about certain topics, qualities, or traits. Mindsets can be described as fixed or having the potential for growth.
People with a fixed mindset feel that a person’s talents and abilities are unchangeable. They think that their talents are “fixed” and that they cannot get better at something. They don’t believe their efforts and persistence will result in improved performance.
Growth mindset is the belief that an individual’s intelligence is not fixed and continues to grow with effort and persistence.
A person with a growth mindset believes that with practice, persistence, and effort, they can learn and change over time. A growth mindset allows people to see the potential and the possibilities when faced with new or difficult tasks. All children have great mathematical potential, and a growth mindset allows them to develop that potential.
Families and educators can promote a growth mindset with the following words and actions:
1
Noticing a child’s effort.
“I saw how hard you worked on that. You didn’t give up.”
“I see that you rebuilt the block tower when the first one fell down.”
“I appreciate that you took time to do that again.”
2
Asking questions about the process a child uses to figure something out.
“Tell me what you tried to do and how you decided to do it this way.”
“Tell me what worked and didn’t work as you built that.”
“What are you going to try next?”
3
Allowing the child the time and space to figure something out on their own.
“Take your time and keep thinking about what might work.”
“Have you thought about other ways to do that?”
4
Praising a child’s abilities instead of their effort can be counterproductive.
Comments like “You're so smart!” may lead to frustration when challenges arise.
Recognizing their hard work encourages perseverance.
5
Telling a child “That was easy”, or “you hardly tried,” sends a message that if they do have to try, they might not be smart enough.
These children’s books highlight a growth mindset:
