Objectives:

To define fixed and growth mindset  
To identify fixed and growth mindset statements
To learn ways of changing fixed mindsets to growth mindsets

Take the Growth Mindset Quiz

- click on "submission" tab and launch external link

Discuss Results:

What is your Growth Mindset Quiz score? ______

60-45 Strong Growth Mindset

44-34 Growth Mindset with some Fixed ideas

33-21 Fixed Mindset with some Growth ideas

20-0 Strong Fixed Mindset

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset:

A fixed mindset is the belief that you are born a certain way and cannot change.

"In the fixed mindset, everything is about the outcome. If you fail--or if you're not the best--it's all be wasted."

The growth mindset is the belief that you can grow your brain and that your intelligence grows with effort.

"The growth mindset allows people to value what they're doing regardless of the outcome."

Watch Video:

Questions:

What was John Legend's response to struggling to get a record deal?
Do you think John Legend has a fixed or a growth mindset? Why?

Activity - Recognizing Fixed and Growth Mindset

Fixed and Growth Mindset T-Chart

Decide if each statement is a fixed or growth mindset:

You are so smart!
You worked so hard on that drawing.
It's easy for him, his mom is a teacher.
I'm just not a natural at this topic.
I can do better I just have to keep learning.

What other fixed and growth statements have you heard?

Which voice will you hear?

It is normal to have both a fixed mindset and a growth mindset talking to us and competing for our attention. Sometimes we listen to our growth mindset. Other times, our fixed mindset shows up.

How do we start to challenge our fixed mindset voice so that we can adopt a growth mindset?

We can use our language.

We can use our language to combat the negative self talk that comes with a fixed mindset.

1. The power of yet: Add yet at the end of your fixed mindset statements.

Example: “I can’t do this.” → “I can’t do this YET!”

2. Say stop: When your fixed mindset voice is getting out of hand, tell yourself to stop and clear your mind before continuing.

3. You instead of I: It’s easier to pump yourself up and give yourself crucial advice using the word you instead of I.

Example: "I got this." → "YOU got this!"

We can use our actions!

We can also use our actions to conquer the fixed mindset when it shows up.

1. Ask for help. Let your teacher know that you are struggling so that they can put you back on the right path.

2. Make a study group. Talk and work together with different study strategies.

3. Revisit your mistakes. Look at your mistakes, and review what you did wrong. This will help you avoid making the same mistake again later.

Take a moment to reflect

What is a transition or an event that you anticipate being hard in the future?
What can you do when your fixed mindset thoughts creep in during the transition or event you identified?