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Rogers Park HG Program is committed to developing a growth mindset school environment - a place where all students believe that with effort and perseverance, they can develop their intelligence and succeed.  Dr. Carol Dweck, an educational researcher at Stanford University, has theorized two belief systems about intelligence (fixed and growth), which have incredible implications for the success of individuals in all aspects of their lives. The breakthroughs in neuroscience over the past decade have helped us understand the dynamic cognitive processes of the brain and the concepts of , which support the idea that intelligence can be developed. 

Mindsets

Mindsets are the assumptions, expectations, and beliefs that guide our behavior and our interactions with others.

A fixed mindset is one where we believe that our innate abilities, talents, and intelligence are fixed. That we are either “good” or talented at something or we are not. Our mindset influences our motivation to attempt new learning, ultimately affecting our potential, choices, and accomplishments in life.

As a parent, you may have a fixed mindset thinking about some of your own abilities. Most of us do. You may think, “I can’t cook”, “I can’t dance; I have two left feet”, “I leave that to my spouse, I can’t figure it out.” This mindset, of course, can spill over into parenting our children. We might catch ourselves thinking or even saying out loud, “My daughter probably isn’t very good at math because I was not very good at math.” Or, “I was not good at high school English, so I guess my son takes after me.” These are examples of fixed mindset thinking. Even a perceived positive statement like, “He has a natural talent in math” or “She is a born leader” demonstrates a fixed mindset thinking.

A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence, skills, and talent are malleable, and they can change with effort, perseverance, and practice. Neuroscience explains this as neuroplasticity. We can all get “smarter.” As parents and teachers understand mindsets and their impact on children's learning is critical. For research references and deeper understanding, read Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, How We Can Learn to Fulfill our Potential, by Dr. Carol Dweck, available for check out from the HG Liaison. 

This 4-minute video, is part of a discussion series created by the Greater Good Science center between Christine Carter (sociologist, mom, and “happiness expert”) and Kelly Corrigan (author and mom) about how moving toward a growth-oriented mindset can give your children the drive to succeed.

One of the most frequently used words in your vocabulary should be the word yet, such as, “ You are not quite getting it yet, but with practice, you will.” 

Mathematical Mindsets

Jo Boaler, Stanford researcher, professor of math education, and expert on math learning—has studied why students don’t like math and often fail in math classes. She’s followed thousands of students through middle and high schools to study how they learn and to find the most effective ways to unleash the math potential in all students. 

, a video from at Stanford University, includes four key inspiring messages about learning math from Professor Jo Boaler and four of her Standford students. Be sure to look out Dr. Boalers' new book, Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages, and Innovative Teaching.

Learning From Failure

From the moment our children are born, we want to protect them. Our instincts are to catch them before they fall. It is not easy seeing our children not have success in whatever goal they are working toward—from learning to walk to getting into their first choice of college. But in order to raise resilient, confident, optimistic children, we must learn to be comfortable when they make mistakes and/or fail. When children are given opportunities to struggle, it builds resiliency. Without struggling, it is difficult to develop coping skills, grit, and resiliency. As parents, we must model this as well; let your kids see you being persistent and overcoming challenges—not quitting because something is “too hard.”

When you see a less-than-desirable score or grade on an assignment, assessment, or report card, do not freak out. Look at the grade as data, look at failure as data, and talk with your kids about some things that can be done to improve and grow. If your child puts a lot of effort into the assignment or prepping for a test, praise them for their effort, then talk about some new ways that may help him or her understand the content. Reinforce that it is not about the grade—it is about the learning that takes place. Remind your children that the word fail stands for:

First Attempt at Learning.

Share with your children how we all encounter "failures", but it is how we respond to these setbacks that makes the difference. Many very successful people have encountered failure. Watch this short video, , and discuss how these people persisted and modeled resilience to succeed and become stronger through their struggle.  Watch this  commercial about failure. In this commercial, Jordan highlights many of the mistakes he has made and what the outcome is: success.

It is essential that we all work together
toward building a growth mindset for our children.