MINDSETThe Power Of Effort In Becoming A

Lifelong Learner

Based on the work of Carol S. Dweck-professor of psychology at Stanford University

Compiled by Janet E. Coppess – September 2013

Intelligence Intelligence was long believed to be fixed – the amount of intelligence

possessed at birth was the amount a person possessed until death. Current brain research dispels the belief in “fixed” intelligence. Intelligence

increases or decreases over time depending on the environment Intelligence is dependent on the interaction between genetic inheritance and

experiences provided by the environment. It is changeable. “The brain, with its complex architecture and limitless potential, is a highly

plastic, constantly changing entity that is powerfully shaped by our experiences in childhood and throughout life…”

“Giftedness may be developed and expressed to a moderate, high, or profound level.”

“Studies indicate that we continue to grow in intelligence or show a loss of intelligence as we develop depending on the environment with which we interact, the intellectual challenges in which we engage, and on our personality characteristics.”

Clark, Barbara. Growing Up Gifted. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.

Teaching About the Brain and Mindset

The brain is like a muscle – the more you use it the stronger it becomes-you can become smarter

Neurons (nerve cells) in the brain form new connections (multiply and get stronger) when you learn new things, resulting in a stronger, smarter brain

You can influence your brainYou can get smarter no matter how old you are

with effort and work Blackwell, L.S. (2002). Psychological mediators of student achievement during the transition to junior high

school: The role of implicit theories. (Doctoral Dissertation, Columbia University, 2002.) UMI #3048094

MindsetThere are two types of Mindset:

Fixed Mindset

Growth Mindset

• -Carol Dweck

The Fixed MindsetStudents with a fixed mindset believe in fixed intelligenceStudents with a fixed mindset believe you must look

smart at all costsStudents with a fixed mindset lack confidence in

themselvesStudents with a fixed mindset believe hard work proves a

lack of intelligence (true of many “gifted” students)Students with a fixed mindset do not correct their

mistakes

A fixed mindset limits intellectual growth.

The Growth MindsetStudents with a growth mindset believe their abilities and

intelligence can be developedStudents with a growth mindset want tasks that stretch their

abilitiesStudents with a growth mindset believe effort enhances their

abilities and intelligence –even geniuses have to work hard Students with a growth mindset confronted their mistakes

and deficiencies and sought methods/strategies and new knowledge to remedy them

Students with a growth mindset make learning their major goal

What Is Your Mindset?Fixed 1. Don’t make

mistakes 2. Don’t work hard 3. If you make

mistakes, don’t try to repair them

Growth 1. Take on challenges 2. Work hard 3. Confront your deficiencies (mistakes) and

correct them

Mindset MessagesPraise for :

Intelligence: Effort:Students adopt a fixed mindset Students adopt a growth mindset-reject challenge -embrace challenge-lose confidence when mistakes are -maintain confidence when

mistakes made are made-perform poorly -perform far better (even on an

IQ test

Words to Encourage Growth

What did you struggle with today? This is hard, this is fun, what should we do next? You can grow your intelligence. You can learn. You can stretch. You can keep mastering new

things. You’ll get there. How many ways did you try it before it turned out the way you

wanted it? What do you plan to do next? Are you pleased with what you did? That looks like it took so much work! That looks like it took a lot of effort. How did you figure that out? What opportunities for growth are available to me/you today?

Famous People with a Growth Mindset

Mozart- practiced until his hands were deformed, it took him ten years to produce any quality work we recognize today

Einstein – his teachers felt he was subnormal Bruce Jenner –” …the way you get ahead in life is hard work.”

(1976 Olympic Gold Medalist in the decathlon) Babe Ruth -practiced daily Abraham Lincoln – lost several elections, kept trying. Chuck Yeager – elite military pilot – “The best pilots fly more than the others; that’s why they’re the best.” (Hero of The Right Stuff)

Grow Your Brain NeuronsYou have BILLIONS of neurons!You can grow more all the time!Healthy CHOICES grow healthy BRAINS!

Recipe for Growing Your BrainEat Drink Sleep Exercise-Nuts -Water -9-10 hours every night -

Every day-Fish-Fruits-Vegetables-Whole grains

Limit-Pop-Sugar-Chips-Junk Food

Calm Brains Learn!

Use Your Strategies: -Square breathing -Visualization -Positive Self-Talk (I can do this, I practiced, More practice will get me there, etc.) -Avoid Fight or Flight Syndrome – (You fight or run!)

Square Breathing1. Take a deep breath, breathing in for four seconds.2. Hold your breath for four seconds.3. Slowly exhale for four seconds.4. Do nothing for four seconds and then repeat the steps.

When should I use this technique? Before taking a test In a stressful situation When someone gets in your face In any unfamiliar situation where you feel

uncomfortable

B.R.A.I.NYOUR STRATEGY FOR ANY BIG PROBLEM:

B. REAK IT DOWNR.EPEATA. CTIONI.NFORMATION SEARCHN.EVER GIVE UP!

GROWTH MINDSET PLEDGE

We pledge to: Get excited about challenges. We say Yea! Keep trying, even when it gets hard. Listen carefully when people are trying to help us. Cheer for each other when we work hard! Remember that everyone has to practice if they want to

learn.

Mindset Works.com

Main Idea “It matters greatly what students believe

about their intelligence.”

“…when teachers believe in fixed intelligence, this is exactly what happens. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.”-Carol Dweck

“Boosting Achievement with Messages that Motivate.” – Carol Dweck.