Positive Education

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence can be developed. Students with a growth mindset understand they can get smarter through hard work, the use of effective strategies, and help from others when needed. In contrast, a fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence is a fixed trait that is set in stone.

 Why does it matter?

When students hold a fixed mindset, school can be a threatening place because they may be worried about proving their ability or avoiding “looking dumb”. This can lead to students avoiding challenges or giving up when they struggle.

When students hold a growth mindset, they may experience school as an exciting place to grow, embracing challenges as opportunities to develop mastery.

Students' mindsets about ability shape their responses to adversity at school

Check out the example of adversity in the Photo Gallery below: