Growth Mindset in the Classroom
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Learning habits start in the four walls of the classroom. Children naturally begin with a blank canvass, and they learn by what is given and taught to them. For this reason, it is essential to incorporate a growth mindset in the classroom.
An educator could slowly start by putting up a poster of quotes about growth mindset in the classroom. She or he could also introduce learning activities that encourage a child’s creativity and problem-solving ability. But before tackling ways to develop a growth mindset in the school, here are the basics:
What is a Growth Mindset?
It is the belief that a person can learn anything she or he wants through hard work and perseverance. People do not have limited potential, and they can develop their skills by making an effort to self-improve.
These are the characteristics of a person with ‘Growth Mindset’:
- Views challenges as learning opportunities
- Has a thirst for knowledge and new experiences
- Embraces all forms of criticism and uses them to better himself or herself
In sum, a person with a growth mindset welcomes the idea that learning is never stagnant and that anything is attainable through determination.
How to Teach the Growth Mindset in the Classroom
All the teachings that a child receives at his early stage shape his or her beliefs. Instilling a growth mindset helps a child to achieve success in all aspects: academically, mentally, and emotionally.
Here are different ways in which you can subtly teach young students to think with a growth mindset:
Incorporation in Learning Activities
As mentioned, one of the best ways to teach your child this mindset is by incorporating it into different learning activities. You can compile a list of quotes about growth mindset and have it as a reading activity. You can also put up a poster of growth mindset quotes to subtly instill this in the child’s memory.
Respond to Mistakes Casually
A person with a growth mindset believes that criticism should be embraced as a self-improvement medium. However, some children might be sensitive when corrected. That is why it is important to respond appropriately if the child commits a mistake so that the child will not develop a fear of criticism.
As such, a teacher should be patient and gentle with his or her words in reprimanding a child. Also, make sure to end the conversation with a note of positivism, particularly explaining how criticism is not all that bad.
Be a Model of the Growth Mindset
Studies show that children are more likely to imitate an adult rather than listen to him or her. They learn by observing adults and adapt how they respond to things. For this reason, it is essential as an educator to be an example of what you preach.
One cannot effectively teach what he or she has not learned thoroughly. As such, as educators are the adults that children spend the majority of their time with, they should practice a growth mindset as well. A teacher should always be curious about things and avoid expressing frustration.
Every teacher should aspire to practice a growth mindset in the classroom. It helps the children become better people, not only for themselves but also for others. At an early age, a child can quickly adapt anything, and if he is to imitate a habit, it should be one that is positive.
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