Develop a Growth Mind-Set for Academic Success

Believing that intelligence can grow allows students to learn more, acquire deeper knowledge and do better than students who believe their intelligence is set. Studies by Carol S. Dweck and her colleagues demonstrate that that teen depression, creativity and academic achievement are all impacted by individual’s beliefs. Dweck’s research provides guidance for parents who want to instill a growth mind-set in their children.

 

While most of us think we have a growth mind-set, in reality we most likely have a mixture of fixed and growth mind-set, according to Dweck’s research. When we are challenged to step out of our comfort zone, we often confront our fixed mind-set: a little voice in our head says; “This is too hard, you are not good at this, stop now before you make a fool of your self”. A growth mind-set would approach the task with the internal voice advising; “ If you don’t try you will never learn, it’s okay to work hard and learn something even if you fail, you can ask for help if you need it”.

 

Telling a child that they can do anything if they try hard enough may sound like it is promoting a growth mind-set, but it does not teach children how the brain grows. Dweck stresses the importance of communicating to children that they have the ability to grow through learning new information and hard work. Just telling children to work hard without providing the instruction for success can backfire. Children need to be supported in their learning process with effective instruction to build the necessary skills and strategies, along with support and mentoring to guide the process.

 

Parents who praise a “process focus” and appreciate not only their child’s honest efforts but also their use of good strategies and their appropriate seeking of help are guiding their children towards a growth mind-set. While Dweck’s research is not focused on children with learning differences, her findings offer helpful advice. When children try hard but don’t succeed, Dweck suggests that parents sit down with the child and discuss what strategies were used and what can be tried next. In this way, parents are offering support and guiding their child towards success.

 

Watch this video by Carol Dweck and learn more about how to guide your child towards a growth mind-set.