Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

During a math class, a student struggles with a difficult problem. Instead of simply providing the answer, the teacher sits with the student, guiding them through the problem-solving process. With words of encouragement, the teacher emphasizes the importance of persistence and learning from mistakes, fostering a growth mindset within the student.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

At the start of the semester, the teacher sets low academic expectations for their students, assuming that innate abilities determine success. They label certain students as "naturally gifted" and others as "less capable," creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where students internalize these expectations and perform accordingly, hindering their potential for growth.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

In a social studies class, the teacher consistently praises students who excel academically while disregarding those who struggle. They attribute success solely to innate intelligence, creating a competitive and judgmental atmosphere where students are afraid to ask for help or admit their shortcomings. This fixed mindset culture stifles collaboration and undermines the potential for collective learning and growth.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

After grading a set of essays, the teacher notices a recurring issue with thesis statements. Rather than feeling discouraged, the teacher sees this as an opportunity for growth. They create a lesson plan focused on thesis development and offer constructive feedback to each student, believing that improvement comes from embracing critique and actively working to enhance skills.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

During a science experiment, a student's project doesn't yield the expected results. The teacher responds with disappointment and expresses doubt about the student's abilities, reinforcing the notion that failure reflects inherent incompetence. This reaction discourages the student from taking risks and experimenting further, perpetuating a fear of failure in the classroom.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

At the beginning of the school year, the teacher outlines ambitious learning goals for their students. Despite potential challenges, the teacher believes in the capacity of every student to grow academically. Throughout the year, they provide challenging assignments and support, encouraging students to reach beyond their perceived limitations and strive for excellence.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

During a science experiment, an unexpected error occurs, leading to frustration among the students. Instead of becoming flustered, the teacher remains calm and uses the moment as a teaching opportunity. They demonstrate resilience by troubleshooting the issue alongside the students, emphasizing that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

During a language arts lesson, a student struggles to grasp a complex grammar rule. The teacher, believing that intelligence is fixed, dismisses the student's effort as futile and suggests they focus on simpler tasks instead. This attitude demotivates the student, causing them to feel inadequate and reluctant to tackle challenging concepts.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

After receiving feedback from a colleague on a lesson plan, the teacher becomes defensive and unwilling to consider alternative approaches. They believe their teaching methods are flawless and perceive any critique as a personal attack on their competence. Consequently, the teacher misses out on valuable opportunities for growth and improvement.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset

In a history class, the teacher introduces the concept of a growth mindset to their students. They share stories of famous individuals who faced numerous failures before achieving success, inspiring students to adopt a similar outlook. Throughout the semester, the teacher consistently reinforces the idea that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

• Growth Mindset

• Fixed Mindset