Why the Growth Mindset?
Personal growth is critical to the success according to Dweck (2008) and Jeffrey (2024), adopting a growth mindset allows individuals and organizations to focus on continuously developing skills and goals, thus promoting innovation and a collaborative learning environment. Furthermore, cultivating this mindset, supported by Boaler’s (2022) research, strengthens resilience and learning capacity, which is crucial for educators and students. From an early age, as Dweck (2008) suggests, beliefs about our capabilities shape our future success, underscoring the importance of fostering an educational environment that values growth and the acceptance of mistakes as learning opportunities.
In the specific context of our school, Integrating the innovation proposal to create student ePortfolios not only empowers students to own their knowledge but also benefits the organization by fostering creativity, innovation, and a sense of ownership in learning. By adopting pedagogical practices that promote a growth mindset, educators contribute to an environment where collaboration and continuous learning are core values. This enhances the educational experience for students and strengthens the school community by encouraging adaptability and excellence at all levels.
Going from a Fixed Mindset to a Growth Mindset
Transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset involves committing to continuous development over the long term (Dweck, 2016). Once this mindset is established, it must be actively maintained and encouraged. By methodically implementing the four steps, both at an individual and organizational level, we can foster an environment where a growth mindset not only takes root but also flourishes.
Learning to listen to the voice of our fixed mindset
The first step in any personal or professional situation is recognizing when the fixed mindset affects our decisions and perspectives. This involves awareness of limiting thoughts or ingrained beliefs that could hold back our growth.
In the context of the ePortfolios proposal, this translates into identifying areas where we are opting for quick fixes or conventional methods without exploring new ideas or approaches. For example, at work, we might be reluctant to adopt new technologies or working methods for fear of failure or the unknown.
Recognize that we have a choice
Once we identify our fixed mindset, the next step is to recognize that we always have the choice to change our perspective and approach challenges from a growth mindset. This involves actively choosing learning and continuous improvement over comfort and security.
In the professional realm, this might mean taking the initiative to learn new skills or explore new opportunities that initially seem challenging. In the context of ePortfolios, we encourage students (or ourselves) to select projects or topics that we are passionate about, where we can develop our skills and knowledge in meaningful ways.
Respond with a growth mindset voice
The next step is to develop a growth mindset, an internal voice encouraging us to challenge and push past our self-imposed limits. This involves shifting our self-talk from critical and harmful to exploration and possibility, this would be reflected in how we deal with everyday problems and challenges professionally. Rather than seeing them as insurmountable obstacles, we approach them with curiosity and a willingness to learn from any outcome, positive or negative. In the ePortfolios proposal, students would be encouraged to ask thoughtful questions and explore multiple perspectives on topics of their choice, thereby fostering deep, self-directed learning.
Adopt a Growth Mindset for Action
Finally, adopting a growth mindset means taking action. It is applying what we have learned and moving forward with courage and persistence, even when faced with setbacks or unforeseen challenges.
On a personal level, this can mean setting challenging goals and developing an action plan to achieve them without fear of failure. In a professional setting, it involves leading change initiatives and being open to learning from both positive and negative experiences. With ePortfolios, this translates into actively creating content and continually reflecting on progress and learning over time.
“If you get a failing grade, you think, I’m nothing, I’m nowhere. But if you get the grade “Not Yet” you understand that you’re on a learning curve. It gives you a path into the future”. Carol Dweck
The message of “yet” is powerful in both personal development and educational settings. As Carol Dweck argues, by adopting a growth mindset, individuals learn to view challenges as opportunities for continued growth (Dweck, 2014). This perspective is not limited to the classroom; it extends to daily life, where we face personal and professional obstacles. When we face difficulties and say, “I can’t do this,” the addition of “yet” changes the landscape, encouraging us to see the path to our goals as a constant evolution.
Bringing the concept of ‘yet’ into the classroom revolutionizes how students approach academic learning, bolstering their resilience and self-confidence. By reframing negative statements such as ‘I can’t read’ to ‘I can’t read yet,’ we instill the belief that learning is a continuous journey of enhancement and exploration (Dweck, 2014). This approach teaches students not to surrender in the face of challenges but to perceive every difficulty as a chance to acquire new skills and enhance themselves.
From my experience as an educator, I have observed how the use of “yet” can change the dynamics in the classroom. By celebrating individual efforts and advancements without distinction, we create an environment where personal growth and progress are valued above immediate results. This approach motivates students to persevere in their academic goals and prepares them to face life’s challenges with confidence and determination.
In conclusion, “yet” is a powerful tool that drivesacademic learning and personal development. By adopting this growth mindset, we are not only preparing our students for academic success but also cultivating a resilient and adaptable attitude in the face of future challenges.
Recommended Growth Mindset Resources
Books
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
– Provides a proven method for building positive habits and eliminating negative ones using small changes and effective strategies.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
– Offers rules and strategies for developing deep concentration, crucial for success in a world full of distractions.
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
– Explores how vulnerability can lead to a more authentic and connected life, transforming our relationships and leadership.
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
– Examines the science behind intrinsic motivation and how it can drive our performance and personal satisfaction.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
– Focuses on the importance of eliminating the superfluous and concentrating on what truly matters to achieve meaningful results.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
– Chronicles the author’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps and explores how to find meaning even in the most difficult circumstances.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
– Introduces the concept of fixed and growth mindsets and how our beliefs about our abilities affect our success.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
– Offers a framework of seven effective habits that can transform both personal and professional life.
Videos
Coaching with a Growth Mindset | Simen Sinek
Developing a Growth Mindset with Carol Dweck
Growth Mindset Vs. Fixed Mindset
RSA Animate: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
The Power of Belief – Mindset and Success | Eduardo Briceño | TedxManhattanBeach
Websites
Create a Growth Culture – Not a Performance-Obsessed One by Tony Schwartz
Mindset Works – Decades of Scientific Research that Started a Growth Mindset Revolution by Mindset Works, Inc.
What Having a “Growth Mindset” Actually Means by Carol Dweck
Personally, I will consistently integrate the principles of a growth mindset into our daily activities to foster greater engagement and achieve better results. Following Dweck’s (2008) guidance, I recognize that these efforts require sustained support to ensure lasting impact rather than fleeting change. Additionally, I plan to show inspirational videos or movies once a week during read-aloud sessions to reinforce these principles.
Adopting a growth mindset will profoundly influence how I approach my academic work and overall engagement with the Applied Digital Learning program. It will enable me to enhance my learning capabilities, meet challenges with resilience and determination, and cultivate a sense of self-efficacy. Furthermore, it will foster a constructive perspective on my path of continued development, viewing setbacks as opportunities for personal growth. By maintaining this mindset, I aim to optimize my chances of fulfillment and success in all facets of my life.
References
Dweck, C. S. (2008). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books.
Dweck, C. S. (2014). The Power of Belief – Mindset and Success. TEDxManhattanBeach.
Dweck, C. (2016, January 13). What having a “growth mindset” actually means. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
Jeffrey, S. (2024, January 2). How to change your mindset from fixed to growth: A definitive guide (4 steps). Retrieved from https://scottjeffrey.com/how-to-change-your-mindset/
Boaler, J. (2022). Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential through Creative Mathematics, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching (2nd Edition). Jossey-Bass.