Why the Mindset Matters
Research has shown that beliefs about learning can influence achievement in school. When students believe that they can become smarter, they work harder and get better grades. This is known as having a growth mindset. The human brain forms new connections between neurons when we learn new things. Neuroscience has proven that the brain changes throughout our lives and not just during childhood. Over time, we can get smarter, even in adulthood and old age!
Two Types of Mindsets
"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
Comparing Mindsets
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Fixed Mindset |
Growth Mindset |
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I'm not good at this. |
I can't do this yet. |
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I'm either good at this, or I'm not. |
I can learn anything I want. |
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I give up. |
I'll use other methods. |
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I'll never be that smart. |
I'll find out how others do it. |
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I made a mistake. |
I'm still learning how to do this. |
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This is too difficult. |
This may take some time. |
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I want to avoid new things. |
I want to try new things. |
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This is good enough. |
Is this my best effort? |
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I'm awesome at this! |
I'm on the right track. |
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Feedback is criticism about me. |
Feedback can help me to improve. |
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When I fail, I'm no good. |
When I fail, I learn what doesn't work. |
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When my friends do well, I feel threatened. |
When my friends do well, I feel inspired. |
Mindset Quiz
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)
Interesting Reads
Chopsticks and Cultivating a Growth Mindset - The Psychology of Wellbeing
Although I have never been much of a foodie, I can't help but enjoy the veritable plethora of Asian delicacies that my life in Hong Kong affords me. Whether it's Korean barbecue, spicy Szechuan Chinese, fresh Japanese sushi, or Cantonese dim sum, the options are plentiful and they are mouth-wateringly delicious.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed + Key Takeaways From Dweck's Book
You've probably heard of this movement before-it's swept the nation and the world into a newfound appreciation for the potential to be found in hard work. Of course, working hard has always been valued. We know that working hard (and working smart) is a good way to achieve our goals.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset
TP Students: Login to LinkedIn Learning using this link before clicking on the link below.
Create a growth mindset | LinkedIn Learning
Mindset is a choice. People with a growth mindset—who choose to believe that talent and ability can grow—experience better performance, focus, and success. You have the power to change your mindset. The key is learning how to make the shift.
Videos
