In our Junior School assemblies, we continue to talk about developing and displaying a Positive Growth Mindset.
Dr Carol Dweck, a Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and one of the world’s leading researchers in the field of motivation, believes that talent and skills aren’t the only elements of success. A major factor is whether we have what she calls a “fixed” mindset or a “growth” mindset.
Those with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence, qualities and abilities are set in stone, but they have an urgency to prove those qualities over and over. The main goal is to appear smart and capable and to avoid failure at all costs. When these people do fail, they view it as a direct measure of their competence and self-worth. People with a fixed mindset are often overly sensitive to appearing wrong or being judged.
People with a growth mindset have another approach to life entirely. Says Dr Dweck, “In this mindset, the hand you’re dealt is just the starting point for development. This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way — in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments — everyone can change and grow through application and experience.”
We have used our Dr Seuss theme to present conversations of a ‘Growth Mindset’ using the following ‘book’, and have displayed and discussed charts and information such as the following:…the reinforcement of a positive Growth Mindset out of school will certainly be of assistance to our boys.
