Believe you can and you're halfway there. That’s a saying attributed to President Theodore Roosevelt, and it’s a testament to the power of positivity.
For students, a growth mindset can make a world of difference in terms of both academic performance and mental wellbeing. Studies into students’ mindsets back this up.
So, what is a growth mindset? It’s a person’s belief that they can build their skills and intellect over time through effort and a dedication to learning. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset essentially feel stuck, thinking that either they’re intelligent or not, and there’s nothing they can do to change that.
When things go pear-shaped, whether it’s an assessment result that they’re not satisfied with or a competition they didn’t win, students with a growth mindset see a learning opportunity. Setbacks fuel the fire in their bellies to work harder, try new strategies and come back stronger next time. They think constructively, buoyed by the belief that persistence pays off and there’s always a chance to improve.
The opposite is true for those with a fixed mindset. They may fret about proving their intelligence instead of improving it. When they come up against challenges, they may think, feel and behave negatively. Picture a student with their head in their hands or walking out of the classroom, feeling discouraged or giving up entirely. This is where stress and anxiety run rampant.
The good news is that there’s plenty that we as teachers can do to foster growth mindsets in students. To start with, be transparent. Talk about growth mindsets with your class and, when students’ fixed mindsets come to the fore, actively address this. For instance, reframe the idea that some people are ‘science people’ and others aren’t, emphasising that everyone is there to improve their science knowledge. Don’t describe students as ‘smart’ or ‘gifted’ to avoid encouraging fixed ideals around their abilities.
Constructive feedback and an opportunity to respond to feedback are also crucial, as is positive reinforcement. If students go above and beyond, such as attending extra study sessions or visiting you to ask questions during their lunch break, acknowledge this.
Keep in mind that a growth mindset isn’t just about students’ effort. Concentrating on their effort level without considering the role of teaching staff, support staff and the broader school community ultimately ignores the bigger picture: learning takes a village.
In a world where we often have more questions than answers, positivity is more paramount than ever. Let’s work together as school communities to help students see their potential and keep putting one foot in front of the other in their learning journey. After all, there’s nothing like having a glass half full.
By Jenna Auer, Impact Community ACADEMY Principal
