Teaching practices have evolved considerably over the past century. Contemporary educationists have realized that instilling a progressive attitude and a way of thinking that encourages students to make sustained effort could be more effective in helping students achieve success rather than a model based on reward or punishment.
Carol Dwight differentiates between two mindsets that are critical in determining whether a student reaches his full potential or not. She refers to them as the fixed mindset and growth mindset individuals. A student with a growth mindset believes in the possibility of improving skills and abilities, looks at challenges and critiques as opportunities to grow despite failure, keeps trying to move towards his goals, and feels inspired by the success of others.
Source: beta-bowl.comContents
- Teaching a Growth Mind Set
- A Growth Mindset vs. a Fixed Mindset
- The Benefits of Having a Growth Mindset
- Here Are 10 Ways to Instill a Growth Mindset in Your Students
- 1. Encourage Your Students to Talk About Their Achievements
- 2. Praise effort
- 3. Model Good Behaviour
- 4. Don’t Let Them Get Away With Bad Behaviour
- 5. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Instructions
- 6. Make Lessons Interesting
- 7. Use Active Learning Techniques
- 8. Involve Them in Class Discussions
- 9. Encourage Students to Think Critically
- 10. Help Them Learn from Mistakes
Teaching a Growth Mind Set
Teaching students to develop a growth mindset is not easy. Yet, we must instill this mindset in our students to help them succeed in life. Research shows that students with a growth mindset outperform those with a fixed mindset when faced with challenges (Dweck, 2007). Growth mindset needs to be nurtured from the moment children enter the world by parents and teachers alike. The main problem is that parents and teachers have grown up with the idea of a fixed and immovable self-image. Growing beyond a fixed sense of self requires a self-conscious effort and training for parents and teachers to break this mold. Teachers should improve their teaching practice to instill a growth mindset in students and to start you can visit this site to initiate your progressive evolution.
A Growth Mindset vs. a Fixed Mindset
To illustrate this, imagine yourself in front of a group of people. You are wearing a blue shirt, while everyone else is wearing a red shirt. If you have a fixed mindset, you might think that it would be better to choose the same color as everyone else. However, if you have a growth mindset, you might realize that the only way to determine what color you should wear is to test the theory. Therefore, you might decide to mix things up and wear a green shirt instead.
How do you know whether you have a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? You probably have a fixed mindset if you avoid risk-taking and think that your abilities define your limits. On the other hand, if you are willing to take risks and believe that you can always learn from your mistakes, you probably have a growth mindset. The best way to determine this is to critically look at your thoughts and actions.
Source: talent-quarterly.comThe Benefits of Having a Growth Mindset
The most obvious benefit of having a growth mindset is increased motivation and engagement. Students who possess a growth mindset are more likely to take risks and try new things. They are also more likely to persist in tasks even when encountering difficulties. Another advantage of a growth mindset is that it improves performance in tests. Research suggests that students with a growth mindset score higher on exams than those with a fixed mindset (Kurtz & Marjoribanks, 2011).
One of the main benefits of a growth mindset is that it can help students change negative behaviors. Students with a growth mindset see setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Therefore, they are less likely to give up easily.
Here Are 10 Ways to Instill a Growth Mindset in Your Students
1. Encourage Your Students to Talk About Their Achievements
Ask them questions such as: ‘What was your best exam? What were your strengths and weaknesses? How did you get on?’ By encouraging them to share their successes with you, you will identify what works for them and what doesn’t. You can then use this information to plan future lessons accordingly.
Source: norahchiry.medium.com2. Praise effort
Praise students‘ efforts instead of their results. For example, say: ‘You worked hard on that assignment, and you got a good grade. Well done!’ Or, ‘You made so many mistakes in class today, but you kept trying until the end. That takes courage!’ By praising their efforts, you encourage them to continue to put in the effort.
3. Model Good Behaviour
Students look to their teachers as role models. If you act in a way that promotes positive behavior, your students will follow suit. For example, set an example by staying calm during difficult situations. Show them that you can control yourself and remain composed when facing adversity.
4. Don’t Let Them Get Away With Bad Behaviour
If students misbehave, don’t let them get away with it. For example, if they talk back to you, tell them off. If they get into fights, intervene immediately. Positive interventions will send a strong message to other students that bad behavior won’t be tolerated.
Source: kidsacademy.mobi5. Ask Questions Instead of Giving Instructions
Instead of giving instructions, ask questions. For example, instead of saying: ‘Stand up straight,’ say: ‘How would you stand up straight?’ It will allow students to figure out what posture is most appropriate.
6. Make Lessons Interesting
By making your lessons engaging, you will engage your students. For example, you could introduce different activities that will keep them engaged. It will ensure that they stay focused on the lesson.
7. Use Active Learning Techniques
Active learning techniques involve using physical objects to demonstrate concepts. For example, you could use a pair of scissors to show students how to cut something. It will help them visualize what you are talking about. This technique is handy for students who struggle with abstract ideas.
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8. Involve Them in Class Discussions
Invite students to join in discussions. For example, ask them to discuss the pros and cons of a particular topic. They will feel more involved in the process, which will help them retain the information better. Class discussions also help students learn from each other.
9. Encourage Students to Think Critically
Motivate students to question their own beliefs and to consider alternative viewpoints. If they have a fixed mindset, a teacher needs to explain that there are no correct answers. It will help them see the value of thinking critically and help them develop a growth mindset.
10. Help Them Learn from Mistakes
It is a crucial point. Motivate your students to learn from their mistakes. For example, if they make a mistake on an exam, ask them to reflect on what went wrong. By doing this, they will identify the areas where they need to improve.
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Conclusion
Having a growth mindset is essential for students to become successful adults. By teaching them how to grow and develop, you will be helping them to become more independent, confident, and resilient.
