The Role of Schooling in Developing a Fixed or Growth Mindset
Schools play a pivotal role in shaping the mindsets and beliefs of young individuals. One of the most profound impacts of schooling is the development of either a fixed or growth mindset. Let's explore how the educational system can influence these mindsets and the lasting effects they have on learners.
While we're looking at these, it's important to think back to our own school experiences and consider the development of our mindsets. We may find some valuable clues as to the sources of learning and goal achievement behaviours and beliefs we still have.
The Foundations of Mindset
Before delving into the role of schools, it's essential to understand the core differences between a fixed and growth mindset. Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, introduced these concepts, highlighting the distinct ways individuals perceive their abilities and potential.
Fixed Mindset: "I am either smart, or I'm not"
Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are static traits. They think they have a set amount of intelligence, and that's that. Challenges are often avoided for fear of failure, and setbacks are seen as a direct reflection of their capabilities.
On a practical level, this means that if they come across a topic they struggle with, their instinct is that the reason they can't get it right is because they're not smart enough. They believe that if they were smart, then it would come right faster and easier.
Growth Mindset: "I can become smarter"
On the other hand, those with a growth mindset believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, training, and perseverance. They embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and see effort as a pathway to mastery.
On a practical level, this means that if they come across a topic they struggle with, they don't have the same fears and beliefs about what this means for their intelligence as a fixed mindset will have. Their belief is that if they work at it a little more, get some help, then it will start coming right. Just because they can't get it right immediately doesn't mean that it will never come right. "I just can't do it... yet"
The Influence of School
How does school create our mindset?
Praise and Feedback:
One of the most significant influencers in developing a mindset is the type of praise and feedback students receive. Schools that consistently praise students for their innate intelligence or talent ("You're so smart!") inadvertently promote a fixed mindset. In contrast, praising effort, strategies, and progress ("You worked hard on this!") fosters a growth mindset.
Our values come from the praise we get. If we're constantly praised for being 'right' and getting good marks, it's obvious that we learn the lesson that it's very important to always get good marks and be right all the time. If we're constantly praised for the effort we put in, regardless of the outcome, we learn that it's very important to do the work, put in the effort, and it doesn't matter as much whether it came right quickly.
Evaluation Systems:
Traditional grading systems, which often emphasize right or wrong answers, can inadvertently promote a fixed mindset. When students are graded solely on outcomes rather than the process or effort, it can lead to a fear of making mistakes and a reluctance to venture outside their comfort zones.
Classroom Environment:
The atmosphere and culture of a classroom play a crucial role. Classrooms that encourage questions, celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities, and promote collaborative learning tend to nurture a growth mindset. In contrast, environments where there's immense pressure to always be right, where mistakes are penalized, and where competition is stressed over collaboration, can foster a fixed mindset.
The tight exam deadlines, volumes of work, numbers of students in classes all have a role to play in this as well. It's easy to allow for mistakes, longer learning times etc if there's more time and less students. If there's pressure on these things, it's natural that the class dynamic shifts towards "Faster is better. Right is better". Students who get things right first time, every time are more valuable because everything goes smoother
Curriculum Design:
A curriculum that offers diverse challenges, encourages problem-solving, and values the learning process over rote memorization can promote a growth mindset. On the other hand, a rigid curriculum that doesn't allow for exploration or critical thinking can reinforce a fixed mindset.
The skill focus often shifts at higher levels in studies. A student can excel at earlier levels if their natural strengths are in the memory, detail, formulaic thinking that most school curricula contain. Later in studies though, this shifts to the requirement to problem solve, apply, communicate and apply critical thinking. This is a massively uncomfortable shift for students who learnt 'how' to study and excelled at it in one way, and must now figure out how to completely change their learning approaches, to something they're absolutely not comfortable with.
Teacher's Mindset:
The mindset of educators themselves can significantly influence students. A teacher with a fixed mindset might believe that some students are just not "math people" or "reading types," limiting those students' opportunities and potential. In contrast, a teacher with a growth mindset will believe in every student's potential to grow and will implement strategies to support all learners.
The Long-Term Implications
The mindset instilled during the schooling years can have lasting effects:
Resilience: Students with a growth mindset tend to be more resilient. They view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, making them more likely to persevere in the face of setbacks.
Lifelong Learning: A growth mindset fosters a love for learning. Individuals with this mindset are more likely to seek out new experiences, learn new skills, and embrace change throughout their lives.
Career and Personal Growth: In the professional world, a growth mindset can lead to greater adaptability, innovation, and success. These individuals are more open to feedback, more willing to take calculated risks, and more adaptable in changing industries.
Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Schools
For schools and teachers aiming to cultivate a growth mindset, here are some strategies:
Promote Effort Over Ability: Shift the focus from innate talent to effort. Celebrate hard work, perseverance, and improvement.
Encourage Risk-Taking: Allow students to step outside their comfort zones without fear of failure. Create a safe environment where making mistakes is seen as a natural part of the learning process.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Instead of simply highlighting what's wrong, offer feedback that helps students understand how they can improve.
Professional Development for Educators: Equip teachers with the tools and understanding to foster a growth mindset in their classrooms.
Incorporate Growth Mindset in the Curriculum: Integrate lessons on brain plasticity, the value of effort, and the importance of embracing challenges.
In Conclusion
Schools create the mindsets of their students. By understanding the profound impact of their practices, educators can create environments that nurture a growth mindset, setting students on a path of curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning. As we reflect on the role of education, it's clear that fostering a growth mindset is not just about academic success but about equipping students with the mindset to thrive in all facets of life.
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