Growth Vs Fixed Mindset

What kind of mindset would be : ‘I already know all I need to know’

What kind of mindset would be: ‘I know that there is more than I can learn’

James' teacher knows that he likes history, so she asks him to design a project to enter in the district's History Day. James can't wait to get started because he likes the challenge.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

• This would not be considered a challenge

• Not a mindset at all

Janelle has always struggled with math. When the teacher starts to introduce a new concept involving Geometry, Janelle doesn't listen because she knows she won't get it. She thinks, "why even bother?"

• Not a growth mindset

• Math will always be difficult

• Fixed Mindset

• Growth Mindset

What COULD be a response for Janelle that would make her have a growth mindset?

Jose wants to make the basketball team. He spent 15 hours each week this summer practicing and getting into shape. When school starts he tries out for the team but doesn't make it. Which would be a growth mindset for Jose?

• It doesn't matter how hard I work, I will never be good at basketball.

• Stop playing basketball all together

• Tell everyone how bad the basketball coach is.

• I might not have made the school team, but I will join a rec league and try out again next year.

Tyrone likes to write and has received feedback about his latest story from his writing group. They like his story, but are confused about the ending. Tyrone asks questions to get more information in order to rewrite his story.

• Fixed Mindset - Not sure he is going to resubmit his work

• Fixed Mindset - Get upset with writing group since they didn't understand

• Growth Mindset - Asking questions to improve his writing

• Growth mindset - he will not take any advise from his writing group

Answer explanation

Constructive Criticism can be difficult to hear

Asking questions to better understand can help

Adds to a growth mindset!

Jordan plays the drums for the school band and is wanting to make first chair, but he never seems to make it. Which of the following could be considered a growth mindset on how to improve?

• Talk with music teacher about tips to improve.

• If he hasn't made first chair by now, he won't make it.

• He probably doesn't enjoy band very much if he isn't first chair.

• He should maybe look at doing a different instrument.

Sheena studied for her biology exam and even went to a Roo time last week to help get ready but she only got a D on the test. Her best friend didn't study at all and got an A. Sheena is angry with her teacher and thinks the teacher doesn't like her.

• Fixed Mindset - She became angry and thought the teacher didn't like her.

• Growth Mindset - She studied for the test.

• Fixed Mindset - she will try again the next test.

• Growth Mindset - she attended a Roo time.

Answer explanation

It can be difficult when someone is "naturally smart" especially a friend!

Can be difficult to think that her grade is really her teacher's fault.

Can find ways that can help her in that class.

Ling enjoys really does not like her English class, and has never really liked reading. They are reading a novel called Night in class and she is not understanding it at all. When they are reading in class, Ling just decides to not listen and do any of the assignments.

• Fixed Mindset - Asking questions in class when she doesn't understand something.

• Growth Mindset - I will work on these assignments when I get home but never does.

• Growth Mindset - Realizing that she shouldn't try any assignments if she doesn't understand them

• Fixed Mindset - coming into the class already defeated with the topic of being low interest to her.