Do you want your students to focus on their learning improvements rather than just mastering the task at hand? Do you find your students easily give up on challenging tasks? Or do they simply say “This is easy!” and that’s it? Maybe you should try incorporating Growth Mindset in your classroom. This was something I started to really push for this year and it’s only been 10 weeks of school for my class in Australia and I’m seeing a HUGE difference in my students’ attitude towards learning.
What is Growth Mindset?
According to Mindset Works, Inc.: "The growth mindset, the understanding of intelligence and abilities as qualities we can develop, has been shown over and over to have powerful ramifications on student motivation and learning, and school success." Basically, my view is that for my students it’s having a true understanding of the learning process. It’s about becoming a hard-working and enthusiastic learner who takes what they have learnt and expanding on it. It’s about knowing how and why we got the answer is just as, if not more, important as the answers.Challenges in My Class
What I had noticed in the past was that my students were so focused on answers and completing the task at hand, that they overlooked the learning process of everything along the way. I really wanted my students to understand the WHY and HOW rather than “the correct answer.” (This was especially relevant in my maths lessons.) When something was too difficult or challenging for them they would often just give up and say “I can’t!” and compare themselves to others in the class. I wanted them to understand they could do it and that every student learns differently and at different speeds.How I Incorporate Growth Mindset
I have display a “Change Your Words - Change Your Mindset” posters in my classroom. I have banned the following sayings in my class:- I can’t…
- He/She is better…
- This is easy…
- This is too hard…
- I give…
- This is good enough…
- I made a mistake…
My Growth Mindset Outcomes
My students overall are more driven to complete their work with their best effort. I have some students extending their learning and trying something new to expand their work into masterpieces. I have some really understanding the WHY and HOW and able to assist their peers who struggle. I have more confident learners and several students who want to try more challenging work! I have stronger readers and growing mathematicians. Our classroom environment has been more productive and a happy/positive place where students are excited to learn again.Growth Mindset Resources
This is a great activity to make with your students and hang around the classroom as a fun reminder! Check it out on TeachersPayTeachers at Runde's Room!
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