Have you ever thought you weren’t good at something and decided to give up? However, what if I told you that believing you can improve is the secret to getting better at almost anything? This is called having a growth mindset, and it’s one of the most powerful tools you can develop as a student.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset means believing that your abilities can improve through effort and practice. In contrast, a fixed mindset makes people think they’re either naturally good or bad at something. For example, someone with a fixed mindset might say, “I’m just not a math person.” On the other hand, someone with a growth mindset would say, “I’m not good at math yet, but I can improve with practice.”
Research from Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck shows that students with a growth mindset perform better in school because they see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Therefore, developing this mindset can actually change your brain and help you learn more effectively.
How Your Brain Grows Stronger
Your brain is like a muscle that gets stronger when you use it. In addition, scientists have discovered that when you struggle with difficult problems, your brain forms new connections. This process is called neuroplasticity, and it means your intelligence isn’t fixed—it can grow throughout your life.
Consequently, making mistakes is actually good for your brain! When you work through challenges, you’re building mental strength. For instance, struggling with a difficult reading passage or a challenging math problem helps your brain develop new pathways.
Putting Growth Mindset Into Practice
Here are some ways to develop a growth mindset in your daily life. First, replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try “I can’t do this yet.” Furthermore, celebrate effort rather than just results. Moreover, ask for help when you need it—that shows strength, not weakness.
Additionally, you can explore more classroom warm-ups and activities to practice this mindset. For more information about growth mindset research, visit Mindset Works, an educational organization dedicated to helping students succeed.
Comment Prompt: Write a comment below describing one subject or skill you want to improve this year and explain how you’ll use a growth mindset to achieve that goal. Your response must be at least 3 sentences long and include one specific action you’ll take.
When you’re finished, check out the rest of our blog for more tips, ideas, and activities to help you learn and grow. Be sure to follow our classroom Instagram page for behind-the-scenes moments, project highlights, and fun updates. Let’s work together to make learning fun, exciting, and something you look forward to every day!
