Two workshops were created that separated students. Both of the groups were included in an eight session study skills class, but only half was taught about the growth mindset. The half that was just taught study skills had declining grades while the other half prospered. Ultimately the just study skills half were taught about the growth mindset, and their grades showed remarkable improvement.
Having a growth mindset means that you believe intelligence is something that you can develop through education and hard work. It makes it easier for a person to make a mistake and learn from it. Having a fixed mindset means that you believe that your intelligence level is predetermined. It makes a person very concerned about how much intelligence they have.
A lot of parents believe in the fixed mindset. That is where you see a lot of emphasis on IQ scores. That score makes them treat their child different their whole life. It either makes a parent say, "Oh, he's so much smarter than that. I know he could do better. He just didn't apply himself." or you may hear "Well, I guess a "C" is just the best he could do."
It takes a lot of effort to learn something that doesn't come easy to you. That is why I think the growth mindset should be taught to students. Sometimes I don't understand things, and after studying and talking with my teachers and peers I finally get it. Students should be taught to keep on trying and to not settle on a grade just because you squeaked by. All teachers need to be educated on this subject as well. It is too easy to give up on a students just because he or she is not getting it as fast as the others. That student is the one that needs the most help. Setting that students up with a peer tutor during school hours is an excellent idea. Give a little extra time to the students who need it.
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