Fostering Growth & Positive Mindset in the Classroom.

 Remember the story of the tortoise & the hare? The hare was so certain that he would win that he sat down and went to sleep during the race while the tortoise kept going, always thinking that he had a chance of winning. The tortoise had what we call as “Growth Mindset”. 


Growth Mindset is an unexplored territory in many educational settings but understanding it & effectively building it in students has become a matter of greatest importance. 


A student mindset falls in two opposites. Simply put, a mindset is the way student perceive their abilities. Students can either have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. A growth mindset is students’ belief in their abilities and talents. A simple belief that they can improve through hard work & learn new methods. On the other hand, a fixed mindset is students’ belief that they do not have talents or skills or simply they cannot improve. 

A student who has a fixed mindset can be heard using phrases like “I can’t do this”, “They are better than me.”, “I don’t believe in myself.” A student who has a positive growth mindset can be heard using phrases like, “I will keep trying.”, “I can always find ways to improve.”, “Mistakes are how I learn & get better.”


A role of teacher is not just limited in imparting education or follow a specific curriculum, it goes beyond. A teacher has to carry out the part of being an external parent, counselor, mentor & a role model and to promote well-being in classrooms. One way is to simply help students shift the fixed mindset to growth mindset. A child’s perspective is more likely to be shaped by their mentors. Therefore, encouraging growth mindset in the classroom can play an important role in closing the achievement gap in students.


Ways Teachers can foster a Positive Growth Mindset in classrooms,


  1. Identify your own mindset- As a teacher, one need to identify their own mindset and to be mindful of the phrases used in the classroom. A teacher’s fixed mindset feedback would sound like, “You tried your hardest, that’s all you can do” whereas a growth mindset feedback would be more like, “Don’t worry if you don’t understand something right away, focus on your next steps. What should it be?”. Praise & positive feedback can change the ways students view learning.


  1. The value of “Yet”- It’s important to introduce “yet” in our classrooms. When a student approaches us and states something like “I don’t get it.” As a teacher remind the student of “yet”. They don’t get it “yet” but with time & practice they will be able to understand it.  Or student stating, “I am not good at this topic.” And as a teacher responding ask them to add yet to their sentence “I am not good at this topic yet.”


  1. Asking right questions- Simple growth mindset questions can be used in classroom which can help students reflect on their progress & their challenges. Asking questions like, “What did you learn from today’s performance?”, “How did you keep going when things got tough?” “What steps did you take to make you successful today.?”



  1. Giving Positive Feedback- Feedback is any response from a teacher in regard to a student’s performance or behavior. The feedback can be verbal or written. The ultimate aim of feedback is to provide students with an “I can do this” attitude. A negative feedback can discourage student efforts & achievements. Using positive feedback can include statements like, “I really appreciate your effort today.”, “Getting better takes time & I see you improving.” “This will be a challenging concept to learn, but I believe you can master it.”

 


  1. Celebrating each student growth- It’s important to teach students to learn from others but never to compare themselves with anyone else. As a teacher understanding that each student has unique abilities & thus not using comparative feedback in classroom which can damage student confidence. Identifying & making student value their own strengths can help them remain confident. 


  1. Avoid Labels- Labels can damage students at both ends of the academic spectrum. Try to view each of your students as capable of academic achievement instead of either, “good” or “bad” at subject. 



Benefits of Nurturing Growth Mindset in Students.


  1. Students with growth mindset see setback as an opportunity, they tend to try harder to overcome the problem. On the other hand, a student with a fixed mindset is discouraged, disinterested and tend to give up. 

  2. A growth mindset in students reduces anxiety, stress and aggression.

  3. It increases well- being and emotional functioning.

  4. It strengthens happiness & life satisfaction.

  5. It helps students maximize their potential. They tend to learn from their mistakes, be responsive to criticism & face challenges. 

  6. A picture containing calendar Description automatically generatedThey grow up to become resilient as they believe they can cope with tough times by applying their inner strength. 

  7. It helps students in academic growth, by improving self esteem & reducing helplessness. 



When teachers approach teaching & learning with growth mindset, it encourages students to grow & become deeper learners. Teachers who have a growth mindset believe in the potential of each & every student in their classroom. As a teacher, it is important to teach students that with effort & perseverance, all students can succeed. When fostering a growth mindset its important that teachers acknowledge the process & effort a student is making, rather than only acknowledging outcome. Remind your students that in your classroom mistakes are expected, inspected & respected.




Aashna Narula.

Behavioral Psychologist,

Learning Paths School,

Mohali. 

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