One of the primary goals of our school makerspace is for students to develop a growth mindset. You might be thinking, “What exactly is a growth mindset? Well, we’re glad you asked!
Coined by Dr. Carol Dweck of Stanford University, growth mindset, as its name suggests, is the belief that skills and intelligence can be learned and developed. It’s the belief that challenges, failures, and criticisms aren’t your enemies but rather your friends that can help you succeed. People with a growth mindset believe that if they fail in attempting to do something the first (or second, or third…) time, that they can try again to be better. This type of mindset produces statements such as ‘Oops, I made a mistake. Can I try again?’ or ‘I am not good at coding…yet’. It is no surprise that this mindset has been linked to motivation and success in different areas such as academics, careers, and even social or interpersonal relationships.
On the other end of the mindset spectrum is the fixed mindset. It is the more harmful of the two types so it’s important that we discuss and acknowledge it so we can notice it when it happens and do something about it. Fixed mindset, as its name suggests, is where one believes that skills and intelligence are fixed. It’s the belief that you’re either born with these skills or not. People with a fixed mindset believe that abilities cannot be learned or developed so they don’t even try. This type of mindset produces statements such as ‘Math is just not my thing’,“I can’t make this any better’, or “I can never be smart like him’.
Watch this short video for further definition and comparison between the two types.
What type of mindset do YOU have? How about your kid(s)? If you’re not sure, take this assessment to find out!
In our makerspace program, we will integrate and encourage students — and adults alike! — to develop a growth mindset.