Rhonda Magazine Growth Mindset

ED 243-05
Growth Mindset: The Key to Success?

Madeline Bird
1 April 2019
Br./Dr. Marshall
Brigham Young University-Idaho

In This Issue

Cover Page………………………………………………………………………1
Title Page………………………………………………………………………...2
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………..3
About the Author………………………………………………………………...4
Abstract………………………………………………………............................5
“Growth Mindset: The Key to Success?”...........................................................6
References…………………………………………………………………….....8
“Five Interviews with Stakeholders of Education”...............................................9

About the Author: Madeline Bird

Madeline Bird is an undergraduate student at Brigham Young University-Idaho studying
Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts. Madeline was born and raised in
Southern California and loves the sunshine. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially
her new nephew, Liam. In her free time, Madeline enjoys co-managing, writing, and performing
in a sketch comedy troupe. She is a performer at heart. She loves to clog, sing, and attend theater
productions of any kind.

What sparks Madeline’s love for the field of education is her passion for creativity and her desire
to help others. She strongly values growths and is driven to help children grow with the best
guidance possible. She also highly values education and knows that growth starts with
knowledge. What she loves more than anything is helping kids see their potential and how they
can reach it. She is very grateful to the teachers and professors in her life that have given her the
supernal gift of believing in her. To Madeline, the two most important things a teacher can give
their students is disciplined structure and to believe in them with unconditional love.

Madeline is a Junior, and hopes to get her internship next year in Arizona, where the sun shines,
and then move on to work in elementary schools in the Pacific West. She has a special
connection to fourth grade because of her incredible fourth grade teacher, and would love to
teach that grade as a way to “pay it forward”. Madeline loves being in the classroom and feels
like she has found the best job out there. Her work in this magazine to share insights into the
education field demonstrates her passion for helping every stakeholder of education grow. She
gives special acknowledgements to all educators and other stakeholders out there doing their part
to make education greater every day. [3​ 09]​

ABSTRACT
What is the growth mindset and why is it such a trend in education right now? The idea of
having a growth mindset was made popular by Carol Burnett, who wrote “Mindset”, published in
2007. Carol Burnett defines the growth mindset as “In a growth mindset, people believe that
their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent
are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for
great accomplishment” (Dweck, 2007). The idea is that there are two ways to look at our
abilities; either they are fixed or they can grow. This article will delve into the pitfalls of the
brain that lead us into fixed mindsets, as well as provide the corrective balms to transform us to
operate with a growth mindset. In addition, the article will discuss how teachers across the nation
implement the growth mindset into their personal and into their pedagogy. Later on, the benefits
of teaching the growth mindset to students and other stakeholders of education will be discussed.
[180]

Growth Mindset: The Key The most common mistake teachers
to Success? make: of praising ​ability​ instead of ​actions
(i.e. “Wow! You’re good at this math!” vs.
The Trend of the Growth Mindset “You used multiple counting strategies
Stakeholders​ of education have been here!”) surely comes from their desire to
boost the self-esteem of their students who
asking the question for centuries: what sets they truly care about. But overwhelming
apart the successful student? research has shown that using more specific
Recent research has supported that a change praise is more beneficial to students.
in m​ indset​ has a significant impact not only In “Research every teacher should know:
on the academic success of students, but on growth mindset”, a 2018 article in the
their motivation to learn. acclaimed T​ he Guardian​ online magazine,
The idea of the “growth mindset” has been psychologist Bradley Busch compiled years
around for a few decades under different of research and shared that most studies
names, but it was catapulted into popularity done on having a growth mindset indicate
by education researcher Carol Dweck, Ph.D. that this mindset is linked with improved
in 2006 when she released a book entitled scores. From one study, he noted:“This
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. study highlights the complexities and
Carol Dweck defines the growth mindset importance of how we deliver feedback. The
this way: “In a growth mindset, people problem with praise such as “you’re so
believe that their most basic abilities can be clever” or “you must be so talented” is that
developed through dedication and hard it doesn’t tell students what they need to do
work—brains and talent are just the starting next time. By praising​ their effort and the
point. This view creates a love of learning strategies they used​, we give students a
and a resilience that is essential for great template of behaviour to follow” (6).
accomplishment” (2). Her studies show that Education Week Research Center in 2016,
children are more determined, open-minded, over 600 K-12 teachers were surveyed on
and enthusiastic about learning when they how frequently they employ five different
are taught to value their work ethic much practices associated with a growth mindset
more than their “natural smarts”. (these are everyday practices all teachers can
There are many common mistakes teachers use!):
make that subliminally teach kids that if 1) Praising students for their effort,
they are not “smart” to begin with, they 2) Encouraging students who are already
cannot be successful. We will deconstruct doing well to keep trying to improve,
some of those teaching faux pas and 3) Encouraging students to try new
highlight ways teachers across America are strategies when they are struggling,
implementing the growth mindset in their 4) Praising students for their learning
pedagogy. strategies, and 5) Suggesting that students
Implementation seek help from other students on
schoolwork.

The majority of respondents (74%) reported difficult to solve: “Are you not smart
praising students for their effort as their enough to solve it …. or have you just not
most common method of implementing the solved it yet” (4). Students so often lament
growth mindset (9). over “bad grades”. However, if teachers and
The same teachers were asked to rate sample all stakeholders began to correct the
statements normally used in classrooms that adjective “bad”, and emphasize that it is not
either encourage or discourage a growth a lack of intelligence but a lack of practice
mindset. 96% agreed that using statements and mastery, students would reinforce in
like “I really like the way you tried all kinds their thinking that persistence and problem
of strategies on that problem until you solving are the favorable responses.
finally got it” were effective to very Teachers also need to think about the way
effective in fostering growth mindsets. On they address feedback after tests or big
the other side, only 28% said that using projects. When students never get to see
“Look at how smart you are” was an what questions they missed on a test or even
effective statement. Rewarding actions get the opportunity to ask why, their growth
(which should be as simple as stating to a is damaged because they do not know where
child what they have just done that was in their thinking they used an incorrect
useful) and not abilities will help students strategy, and will likely use it again.
know what patterns they should follow to Students become frustrated and
progress in learning and will not turn them overwhelmed when they have no
into “praise junkies”, a term often given to understanding as to why they are not
students who rely on affirmation to be performing with mastery, and that leads to a
continually motivated to succeed. bitterness towards education and a fixed
Carol Dweck, Ph.D pointed out in Harvard mindset.
Business Review in 2016 a common Why It Matters
misunderstanding about growth mindsets:
“A growth mindset is just about praising and Everyone who wants their students
rewarding effort” (3). She notes “outcomes to succeed and achieve will recognize the
matter”. Simply praising kids for effort importance of this mindset trend. All who
becomes meaningless if there is nothing desire a better world should be invested in
substantial to link their effort with. It is education and employing a growth mindset.
crucial to reward advancement and Fostering a growth mindset in future
understanding, or else children would start generations would mean fostering work
to believe that having high expectations does ethic, persistence, strategic problem solving,
not matter. and continuation of learning and the drive to
Lastly, rebranding failure and increasing know and discover. Fostering a growth
feedback. We all know that grades rule the mindset doesn’t just mean helping kids
world--- in education, career paths, understand their potential and how to
socioeconomic advancement, emotional strategize through problems; it means
health…What if the image of “bad” grades instilling a love and motivation for growth.
were tweaked slightly? There is a high As William Shakespeare said, “Ignorance is
school in Chicago where students will the curse of God; knowledge is the wing
receive instead of a “Fail” or “F” grade, a wherewith we fly to heaven”. The idea that
“Not Yet” grade (4). Carol Dweck described we can always improve is so powerful. It is
two ways of approaching problems too just up to us whether we teach ourselves and

our posterity that we s​ hould​ improve too.
[1067]

(10)

References

1. https://www.teachthought.com/learning/25-simple-ways-develop-growth-mindset/
2. http://mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/learning-mindsets/growth-mindset/
3. https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
4. https://fs.blog/2015/03/carol-dweck-mindset/
5. https://www.edglossary.org/growth-mindset/
6. https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2018/jan/04/research-every-teacher-shoul

d-know-growth-mindset
7. https://www.nap.edu/read/9853/chapter/8
8. https://blogs.psychcentral.com/relationships/2011/08/the-neuroscience-of-changing-toxic

-thinking-or-behavior-patterns/
9. https://secure.edweek.org/media/ewrc_mindsetintheclassroom_sept2016.pdf
10. https://pixabay.com/photos/tree-landscape-field-branch-696839/

Five Interviews with Stakeholders of Education

Mrs. Brandi Walker: 1st Grade Teacher experiences where some
children need a detailed
1. How does your own philosophy on explanation. Some children
education coincide with the growth have backgrounds that help
mindset? the student connect to
a. I 100% believe in growth concepts being taught while
mindset. If someone is others first need some
determined enough and exposure to build that
willing to put in the work, background to help them be
they can achieve whatever more successful. As an
they want. The amount of educator, I believe that my
work however is based on the duty to my students is to
individual. It is true that some bring the learning to where
seem to have a natural talent they are. I need to know my
in different areas but it does students so that I can teach on
not define who is capable and their instructional level and
who is not. not above or below where
they are.
2. If you do, how do you implement the 3. What are some examples of
growth mindset in your pedagogy? praise/affirmation you like to give to
a. All children can learn when your students?
they have their basic needs
met. Each journey is unique
to the child. Some children
need more hands on

a. I will usually lay out the facts and encourages them to do
from the efforts they have what they want. With a fixed
made in a task that was mindset, some may never try
challenging to them and then other things just because they
show them that they can be didn’t have the natural
proud of themselves for what ability. Having a growth
they’ve done. True mindset allows us to explore
motivation lies within, only everything out there.
their opinion matters. The 5. With whom do you feel the
world wants to point out any responsibility lies for students to
flaws we have and dismiss all learn?
of our successes over one a. The responsibility lays 100%
mistake. If we rely on the on the student. But that
world to sing our praises, we doesn’t mean that students
will often be disappointed. If don’t need support at times
we look within, we can from others encouragement
celebrate our own victories or guidance. Students are
and lessons learned through never to blame based on their
mistakes. As a teacher, I circumstances that are out of
embrace my own mistakes their control, but
and model to my students responsibility does lie upon
how I am smarter by learning their shoulders in regards to
from my mistakes. If we what they will do regardless
work hard, then we can play of their circumstances. It is
hard. about moving forward and
making the best of a
4. Do you think the growth mindset is situation.
100% beneficial to students?
a. I absolutely think it is 100% 3. How have you seen the relationship
beneficial. It puts students in between teachers and students
charge of their own learning change over the years? Do you think
it’s a good thing?
Gavin Slater: University Student a. The relationship is more
1. What do you feel like education is interpersonal and open than a
lacking these days? dictatorship (these are not
a. Teachers that care about their professional terms). With that
students more than the comes a greater lack of
paycheck. respect from students.
2. Do you think teachers’ perceptions Critical thinking skills and
of their students affect students’ freedom of expression has
performance? added to students disregard
a. 100%. The way you treat for respect.
someone is the way they
become. It all has to do with
potential.

4. With whom do you think the lifelong learner; missionary
responsibility lies for students to opportunities; taught me to
learn? think for
a. Before they’re 18, parents myself--communication skills
and State, with programs that and relationships.
promote self-motivated 3. With whom do you think the
learning. After 18, 100%; as responsibility lies for students to
children grow, give them an learn?
increasing amount of a. After 2nd grade, it lies with
accountability. As their the student: 8 years old is the
agency grows, let them use it. age of accountability; before
that parents and
5. How has education blessed your life? teachers.should teach them
a. Oo. Education i​ s​ life! If I work ethic.
didn’t have an education, I 4. What teaching practices have you
wouldn’t have a life. The taken note of as you’ve shadowed
different teachers and classes your mentor teacher that you want to
I had that built my character. adopt?
Education gets you out of a. My teacher has really good
your comfort zone and helps classroom management
you try new things. Without skills; I have learned how to
it, I wouldn’t realize my gain attention. If you can’t
potential. gain their attention, you can’t
teach them at all.
Eliza Lindsay: Teacher Candidate 5. From a future teacher’s point of
view, do you think
1. What do you feel like education is a. Yes. What I learned this
lacking these days? semester was when a child
a. Something that’s popular gets in trouble, you have to
right now is the self-esteem look at a clean state after that.
movement and I don’t think it If you look at them like
is healthy--students have they’re a failure, they’re
such real word problems going to fail.
b. Self-esteem is expecting
everything or nothing of Ms. Debi Murdock: Former K-8 Teacher
oneself and Current Intervention Specialist
c. Self-compassion is being
kind to oneself-basically 1. How has education blessed your life?
accepting yourself and that a. I feel like I can do anything.
leads to being able to solve No matter how high my
problems better. dreams are, I can achieved
my goals through
2. How has education blessed your life? self-education..
a. Education has blessed my life
socially--if I didn’t go to 2. How do you implement the growth
public schools, I wouldn’t mindset in your pedagogy?
have grown/developed;

a. I'm constantly learning every 2. How have you seen education shift
day, I learn so much from my from when you were in school to
first graders. If I didn't have when you saw your children go
that mindset I wouldn't see through schooling? Do you think
how I can learn from my those changes are a good thing?
students. Just keep a humble a. Lots more homework! Much
and an open mind. more universally structured
curriculum. Teachers are
3. How do you help kids develop a forced to follow mandated
growth mindset? guidelines.
a. Encouraging them to explore
their passions. Even at a 3. Do you feel that the growth mindset
young age, we have passions. was taught when you were in school?
It helps them to see that they a. Growth mindset concept was
are capable, and they get perhaps reserved for those
excited about growth. who excelled in my day.

4. What do you feel like education is 4. How you do you feel children learn
lacking these days? best?
a. Education does a lot for us, a. I feel children learn best
however I would like to see when their unique learning
more training for teachers on style is addressed, and when
how to help students with they are encouraged to
emotional and mental expand on the things they
challenges. naturally excel at.

5. With whom do you think the 5. If you could change something about
responsibility lies for students to education in these days, what would
learn? it be?
a. I think it is equal parts the a. If I could change something
student, parent, and teacher. about education these days I
When students mature into would include more
highschool, the responsibility creativity, both in teaching
increasing shifts to them. style and in addressing
learning styles and special
Karen Bird: Mother of Two issues children might have.
Also I think there should be
1. How has education blessed your life? more emphasis on the arts
a. Education has blessed my life and occupational education.
by allowing me to find
answers to important issues
that had been negatively
affecting me. It has helped
me to grow personally.