Why Does Mindset Matter?
MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR
Learning Outcomes:
Participants will:
Identify and apply the concepts of fixed mindset and growth mindset.
Explore the impact of mindset on both students and faculty.
Recognize and discuss effective classroom strategies for encouraging growth mindset.
What is mindset?
Mindsets are beliefs and perceptions about learning.
Fixed vs. Growth
A fixed mindset is based on the belief A growth mindset is based on the belief
that your qualities are carved in stone that your basic qualities are things you
can cultivate through your efforts, your
strategies, and help from others
Dweck, 2016
(Handout) Fixed Growth
“Spending time writing “Providing structured feedback
Faculty
comments on student work is a takes time, but it’s worth the
waste of time. They never use it effort because it gives students a
to improve.” sense of direction on what to do
to improve.”
FEEDBACK
“Look at all of these red marks. “These comments are not what I
Students
The teacher hates me. I guess I expected, but at least now I
can’t do anything right for this know what kind of help to ask for
teacher. I’m done.” from the Writing Center.”
(Handout) Fixed Growth
Faculty
Your Example
Students
Scenario Activity: How do you respond
if you have a fixed mindset? A growth
mindset?
You notice that some students
You are a student that just got are not participating in
your first test back. You classroom discussions. You
received a D. suspect that it may be either
shyness or that they are
uncomfortable making mistakes
publicly.
Why does mindset matter?
Strategies for Fostering Growth
Mindset
• Encourage final exam
• Use positive language
During study plan to
Early (in syllabi, in • Use an exam wrapper End minimize stress
conversation) (after major • Encourage/Incentivize • Have students reflect
(first • Add “your learning (prior to
assignment campus resources about the
weeks) story” reflective finals) value/relevance of
activity ) course
Resources
Books
Dweck, C. (2016). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Penguin Random Hofuse, New
York, New York.
Major, C. H., Harris, M. S., & Zakrajsek, T. (2016). Teaching for learning: 101 intentionally
designed educational activities to put students on the path to success. Taylor & Francis, New
York, New York.
McGuire, S. Y. (2015). Teach students how to learn: Strategies you can incorporate into any
course to improve student metacognition, study skills, and motivation. Stylus Publishing,
Sterling, Virginia.
Websites
https://www.mindsetkit.org/topics/about-growth-mindset/what-is-growth-mindset
http://mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/
