5 Tips for Creating a Growth Mindset in your Classroom

The phrase “growth mindset” was coined by Stanford University psychology professor, Carol Dweck. According to Dweck, mindset refers to the way learners perceive their own abilities. I would go so far as to say that this also includes how they see the abilities of others and the value of working together for the greater good. Before we get into the tips on developing a growth mindset in your classroom, let’s have a look at what a growth mindset looks like as opposed to a fixed mindset.

With this in mind, it is clear that the child with a growth mindset is more open to be educated and better equipped to keep striving for success. Here are five tips that you can use to show children how to learn and use strategies to overcome challenges.

Be mindful of how and what you praise (Learning – We have different strengths and they are all valuable) Practice praising not only those learners who achieve academically but also those who display hard work, kindness, courage, innovation, creativity, respect and other positive character traits.
Display a variety of methods of teaching (Learning – We can explore different ways of getting our message across) Demonstrate different ways of teaching by using group activities, video, audio or maybe asking an older learner to share in their area of accomplishment.
Offer flexibility (Learning – We have choices and different skills and ways of doing things) If appropriate, when doing a project, allow learners a choice of how they can present their project e.g. an essay, a speech, a presentation or in the form of art, pictures or video
Use the power of “YET” (Learning – I can’t do this yet, but I can learn) The word “‘YET” gives us hope and strength when things become difficult. When a child says “ I can’t do this.” Ask them to repeat the following and to complete the sentence with words that makes them feel stronger, “I can’t do this YET, but ……”. Encourage them to use phrases like, I can learn, I can ask for help, I can research the subject, I can practice harder, etc.
Help them to view failure as learning. (Learning – I made a mistake but I have learned and will do better) Many top athletes will tell you that they have failed more than they have succeeded and it is only through immediately focusing on what they have learned and how they can do better, that have achieved success. When a child falls short, immediately ask them what they have learned and what can they change to improve. This could be a lengthy conversation but, with your little ones, it could be as simple as reassuring them that they can ask for help.

My name is Adele Buys. I am an edupreneur, master life coach, NLP Practitioner and co-owner of Innovation Advance Training & Events. We are passionate about moving people forward and love providing ongoing learning for corporates, educators and individuals.