Growth Mindset

At St Mark and All Saints we use growth mindset when we are learning. We believe that when we keep on trying and work hard we will be successful.

What Is Mindset?

A mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.

Why is mindset important?

Most babies are excited to learn. However, as soon as children are able to compare themselves to others, some will stop focusing on learning and will instead focus on performance; they want to look good in front of others and more importantly, they want to feel like they are the best.

According to someone with a fixed mindset, if you fail at something, make a mistake, or even have to put effort in, it must be because ‘you’re just not good enough’. Because of that belief, children begin to avoid challenges and choose activities that they find easy.

Mindset Matters

The distinguishing feature of geniuses is their passion and dedication to their craft, and particularly, the way in which they identify, confront, and take pains to remedy their weaknesses (Good, Rattan, & Dweck, 2008). 

Fixed Mindset: Intelligence is a fixed trait.

Growth Mindset: Intelligence is a quality that can be changed and developed.

In other words...

It’s not what you are born with that matters; it’s your mindset that matters.

Whose idea was this? - Carol Dweck, professor of Psychology at Stanford University.

The Brain Is Malleable

The brain is like a muscle that gets stronger and works better the more it is exercised. 

Too often students believe the brain is static, leading them to think talent and giftedness are permanent, unchanging personal attributes that automatically bring later success. 

Every time you work hard, stretch yourself and learn something new your brain forms new connections and over time you actually become smarter.

Steps to Developing A Growth Mindset

Step 1 - Learn, learn,  learn.

Step 2 - Realise hard work is key.

Step 3 - Face setbacks and learn from mistakes

To find out more about how you can help your child think in this way,  and succeed in their learning, watch this talk by Professor Carol Dwecker.