The importance of Growth Mindset

The importance of a growth mindset

Feedback will be most effective when students are fully engaged in learning. Good learners, we know, tend to attribute both failure and success to internal, unstable causes—in other words, they know that it is within their power to get better. 

It’s therefore essential that teachers help students understand that “ability” is not a fixed quantity. Students must understand that they are not born with talent (or lack of it) and that their personalities do not determine whether or not they are “good at math” or “good at writing.” Rather, ability is incremental. The harder you work, the smarter you get. Once students begin to understand this “growth mindset” as Carol Dweck calls it, students are much more likely to embrace feedback from their teachers.

Learn more about techniques for effective feedback. Bring Dylan to your school, or visit our store for professional development packs, books, and resources. And look for professional development services coming in spring 2015.

The power of 'yet' 

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