1. Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work – brains and talent are just the starting point.
In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. Their energy is spent reinforcing their fixed opinion of themselves rather than growth.

2. Common misconception:
Growth mindset vs. Fixed mindset is NOT a positive attitude vs. a negative attitude.

3. Carol Dweck
Dr. Carol Dweck is a professor at Standford University. Her book, Mindset, is a compilation of 20+ years of research in the area of success and motivation.
Click here to purchase on Amazon.

4. Carol Dweck: The Effect of Praise

5. How does this impact the classroom?
As we just saw, specific praise and feedback on effort will foster a growth mindset.
Fostering a growth mindset will increase student achievement. Click here to watch a TED talk on the power of mindset.
Teachers with a growth mindset tend to have higher achieving students. Click here to see the research.
Making mistakes triggers a physical reaction in your brain that enables growth. Khan Academy has created an interested video on this.

6. 6th Grade Mini Unit What we did in our classrooms:
Students tested their mindsets.
Defined fixed and growth mindsets.
Gave scenarios for students to practice identifying fixed and growth mindset thoughts.
Created a poster comparing growth and fixed ideas.
Practiced having a growth mindset while playing challenging Minute to Win It games.

7. Start small.
We challenge you to reflect on your own mindsets and how that mindset influences our teaching and interaction with students.

8. Interested in learning more?
The ESDC offers two courses on mindset. See My Learning Plan for more information.
Check out Carol Dweck’s book from the ESDC library.