December 9th, 2015

Over the past 6 months, our teachers have been learning about “growth” and “fixed” mindsets.  It is a simple concept that can produce significant gains in student achievement and motivation and is a result of the on-going work of Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist.  In a “fixed” mindset, people believe that their intelligence is unchangeable i.e. if I do well in school it is because I am smart.  This result is not based on effort, commitment or any other factor but rather what is an innate trait.  Those people who demonstrate a “growth” mindset, believe that their abilities can be developed through hard work and a determined effort.  How children tackle problems depends on their mindset.  Does your child give up easily when challenged or do they stick with it trying to find a solution?  Children with a fixed mindset are likely to give up quickly.  “If I can’t figure it out now, I won’t ever be able to figure it out, so why bother continuing to try.”  A child with a growth mindset will understand that they don’t have the solution “YET” but if they keep working they will get it.

We are hoping to develop this “growth” mindset in all our students.  We want our students to not give up so easily when challenged with new learning. We want them to understand that just because they don’t understand it now, doesn’t mean they will never get it.  To help support your child in their development of a growth mindset, it is important that you praise their effort and not their talent.

If you are interested in learning more, you can read the work of Carol Dweck or other related sites on “Growth Mindsets”.