Mindset in the Classroom: Changing the Way Students See Themselves in Mathematics and Beyond

Abstract

Intelligence is not fixed. While many of us may not be innately talented in all areas of learning, all of us are capable of learning anything. It is important that teachers help communicate this concept to students and help students to develop this growth mindset. This article first compares growth and fixed mindsets, discussing some of the consequences related to fear of failure and low self-efficacy when having a fixed mindset. Then the article explains how grit relates to growth mindset, providing best practices for how teachers can begin to instill grit in the classroom. Although not a panacea for solving all problems in our educational system, these best practices can support how students view themselves as learners.

Keywords:

• Grit
• growth mindset
• curriculum
• mathematics
• learning