Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset in Kids: Here's How They're Different! by Kim Kusiciel

You may have heard the term “growth mindset.” It refers to research by Carol Dwek, 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
• be 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 and 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 Carol Dwek's TED Talk here. 

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