Research has shown that beliefs about learning can influence achievements in school. The human brain forms new connections between neurons when we learn new things. It has been proven that the brain’s neuroplasticity allows it to change throughout our lives and not just during childhood. Over time, we can get smarter, even in adulthood and old age! When we believe that we can become smarter, we work harder and achieve more. This is known as having a growth mindset.
"When life gives you lemons...make lemonade!"
Have you heard of this positive statement before? It reflects having a growth mindset. With a growth mindset, you welcome challenges and look for opportunities to learn and improve. The opposite of that is having a fixed mindset, as illustrated below.
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Images used with permission from Katherine Lynas
Take this short quiz to discover your mindset
According to Professor Carol Dweck who researches on motivation:
In a fixed mindset:
- Students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits.
- They have a certain amount and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb.
In a growth mindset:
- Students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence.
- They don't necessarily think everyone's the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it. (2012)
