Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Students

"Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful." Joshua J. Marine

Today after watching the movie 12th Fail, I sat in silence and wanted to introspect is the growth mindset really missing in students nowadays…oh dear readers! Let me first make you acquainted what exactly is growth mindset?

A growth mindset is how we view the challenges and setbacks we encounter in our life…. people with a growth mindset believe that there is always a scope for improvement.

Now, the question arises as to why is it important to nurture a growth mindset in today’s learners and how to nurture the same.

As we are in a global world, in which all the facilities are just a click away, age-old concepts like hard work, perseverance and determination are missing. The concept of intelligence has a lot to do with the nature or nurture of a child. Here, what cannot be changed is nature…..the only scope to stand out in the crowd is by nurturing with a true growth mindset approach. So, I believe I have answered my first ‘Wh’ question…why is it important?

Let us move ahead to the next plan of action.. how to nurture a growth mindset? My dear learners, as an educator, I can pitch in with some tips and tricks to help you. Firstly, we need to inculcate in the learners that mistakes are openings to learn. Feedbacks are not criticisms. No matter if they have made a mistake it has to teach us not to reiterate. Secondly, looking for challenges- encountering challenges supports us to grow both mentally and emotionally. Thirdly, validate your mistakes and rejoice in your corrections- as a learner you must stand out strong to learn from your mistakes and take pride in learning from them. Fourthly, don’t simplify the tasks- set goals that are harder to achieve. Lastly, learning from the success of others must not demotivate you but, it is a sheer motivation you may be surrounded with.

I hope as a writer I can nurture a growth mindset in my learners….even if I manage to do so for a couple of them my words will be synonymous to success.

Written by:

Teena Tuli

Senior Headmistress, Mount Olympus School (Sector 47)