Preparing Middle School Teachers to Develop Growth Mindsets

Abstract

While research supports development of a growth mindset in middle level classrooms, it has not uncovered a single solution to developing such mindsets. This article presents a model supporting teachers on their journey to empower students to develop a growth mindset. Grounded in research on teaching and learning and coupled with best practices of middle level learning, the model structure includes three facets: connecting a growth mindset to everyday life, drawing connections to research, and highlighting teacher case studies cultivating growth mindsets. The model supports teachers as they embrace theory and implement action in their middle level classrooms. Ultimately, the goal is for teachers to support students in their ability to set challenging academic goals, understand learning as a process rather than an end destination, and accept failure as part of learning.

Keywords:

• Growth mindset
• middle level education
• teacher development
• teacher preparation
• academic performance