How can you foster a growth mindset in students?

2 Teach growth mindset concepts

Another way to foster a growth mindset in students is to teach them the concepts and benefits of having a growth mindset. You can use stories, videos, activities, and discussions to introduce them to the idea that their brains are like muscles that can grow and change with practice and challenge. You can also explain how a growth mindset can help them cope with setbacks, embrace diversity, and pursue their goals. For example, you can use the story of Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who advocated for girls' education despite being shot by the Taliban, to illustrate how a growth mindset can empower them to overcome adversity and make a difference in the world.

3 Provide effective feedback

A third way to foster a growth mindset in students is to provide them with effective feedback that focuses on their process, not their product. Feedback that emphasizes their effort, strategies, and improvement can help them see that they can grow and learn from their mistakes. Feedback that praises their ability, talent, or intelligence can make them feel that they have to prove themselves and avoid failure. For example, instead of saying "You are so smart", you can say "You worked hard on this project and used some creative ideas". Instead of saying "You failed this test", you can say "You can learn from this test and improve your score next time".

4 Encourage reflection and goal-setting

A fourth way to foster a growth mindset in students is to encourage them to reflect on their learning process and set goals for themselves. Reflection can help them identify their strengths and areas of improvement, as well as the strategies and resources that work best for them. Goal-setting can help them plan their actions and monitor their progress. For example, you can ask your students to write a journal entry or a letter to themselves about what they learned, what they enjoyed, what they struggled with, and what they want to improve. You can also ask them to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for their learning and track their achievements.

5 Celebrate diversity and collaboration

A fifth way to foster a growth mindset in students is to celebrate diversity and collaboration in your classroom. Diversity can enrich your students' learning experiences and perspectives, as they can learn from each other's cultures, backgrounds, and interests. Collaboration can foster a sense of belonging and support, as they can share their ideas, feedback, and resources. For example, you can create a classroom environment that respects and values diversity, such as by displaying diverse images and texts, inviting guest speakers, and using inclusive language. You can also create opportunities for collaboration, such as by assigning group projects, peer reviews, and cooperative games.

6 Challenge and support your students

A sixth way to foster a growth mindset in students is to challenge and support them in their learning. Challenge can stimulate their curiosity and interest, as well as their brain growth and development. Support can help them feel confident and capable, as well as provide them with guidance and resources. For example, you can design tasks and activities that are relevant, engaging, and appropriate for your students' level and needs. You can also scaffold their learning, such as by breaking down complex tasks, providing examples and models, and offering feedback and hints.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?