Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset in Kids: A Professor Explains How They're Different by Kim Kusiciel


Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset in Kids: A Professor Explains How They're Different

You may have heard the term “growth mindset.” It refers to research by Dr. Carol Dweck, a professor of Psychology at Stanford University.

Her research found that:

  • Students with a growth mindset are more likely to take risks.
  • Learn from their mistakes.
  • Are self-motivated.
  • Ask for feedback.
  • Learn more than peers with a fixed mindset.

Why? Because they view their skills and intelligence as able to be improved or developed. Whereas students with a fixed mindset are more likely to:

  • Give up when something is too hard
  • Be afraid to try new things.
  • Can become jealous of peers because they view their skills and intelligence as set or unchangeable.

A student with a fixed mindset might say, “I don’t know this.” However, a student with a growth mindset would say, “I don’t know this YET.”

An easy way to encourage a growth mindset is to ask, “What helped you keep going when faced with a challenge today?” instead of asking “What did you do today?” For more information, check out Dr. Carol Dweck's TED Talk

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Nan Chul Shin
Thanks for sharing.
Elisa Schmitz
Absolutely, she is spot on. Love this perspective, Kim Kusiciel , thank you for sharing this insight!
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love this! Some of my sons' teachers are encourage a growth mindset in their students, and I'm thrilled about it! Thanks, Kim Kusiciel !
James Doyle
Thanks for sharing!!!

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