Post Assessment Workshop Understanding Growth Mindset Principles

Which term describes the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience?

• Neuroplasticity

• Homeostasis

• Photosynthesis

• Metabolism

What is the main difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?

• Fixed mindset believes abilities can change; growth mindset believes they cannot.

• Fixed mindset believes abilities are innate and unchangeable; growth mindset believes abilities can be developed through effort.

• Both mindsets believe abilities are fixed.

• Both mindsets believe abilities are always changing randomly.

According to Boaler’s first learning key, what happens in the brain every time we learn something new?

• The brain loses neural pathways.

• The brain forms, strengthens, or connects neural pathways.

• The brain stops changing.

• The brain shrinks.

Which of the following best defines a growth mindset?

• The belief that intelligence and abilities are fixed traits.

• The belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.

• The belief that only some people can learn new things.

• The belief that mistakes should be avoided at all costs.

Which scenario best illustrates the concept of neuroplasticity in learning?

• A student memorizes facts without understanding.

• A student’s brain forms new connections after practicing a challenging math problem.

• A student refuses to try new strategies.

• A student only studies topics they already know.

If a student is struggling and making mistakes while learning a new concept, what does Boaler suggest is happening in their brain?

• The brain is shutting down.

• The brain is experiencing its best growth.

• The brain is forgetting information.

• The brain is unaffected.

Which of the following strategies would best help students develop a growth mindset in the classroom?

• Praising students only for correct answers.

• Encouraging students to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes.

• Allowing students to avoid difficult tasks.

• Focusing solely on test scores.

A teacher wants to foster a growth mindset in her students. Which classroom practice aligns most closely with Boaler’s learning keys?

• Giving students only easy tasks to ensure success.

• Highlighting the importance of effort and learning from errors.

• Discouraging students from asking questions.

• Ignoring students’ mistakes.

A student believes that their math ability is fixed and cannot improve, so they avoid challenging problems. Based on Boaler’s learning keys, what would be an effective intervention to help this student shift to a growth mindset?

• Assign only easy problems to build confidence.

• Explain how the brain grows stronger through effort and mistakes, and encourage persistence.

• Ignore the student’s beliefs and continue as usual.

• Tell the student that mistakes are a sign of failure.

Reflect on a time when you struggled with a new skill. Using Boaler’s learning keys, explain how your beliefs about learning might have influenced your brain’s physical changes and your eventual success or failure.

• My belief that I could improve helped my brain form new pathways, leading to success.

• My belief that I could not improve prevented any brain changes, leading to failure.

• My beliefs had no impact on my brain or learning.

• Struggling always leads to failure, regardless of beliefs.