Student mindset can be a formidable challenge for the educators to get right. However make no mistake about its vitality, as a right mindset is one of the key drivers of student success in the class and ignoring it altogether is one of the most egregious lapses one could make as an educator.
On top of that, if the students constantly doubt their ability to learn and adopt what is called a fixed mindset, the efforts of the educators are only compounded and the student learning outcomes in the class are depleted.
Even though new teaching tools such as Learning Management System, smart classes, eLearning portals, ERP (ERP full form: Enterprise Resource Planning), Virtual Reality and likewise have made teaching simpler and more effective than ever before, fostering the right mindset in the students is still a critical factor which dictates their academic success. The importance of instilling a growth mindset in the students can’t be overstated. In fact, research has shown that a growth mindset is vastly superior to a fixed mindset when learning something new. Here are a few strategies which the educators employ in order to foster a much needed growth mindset in their students. So, without further ado, let us take a look at each one of them…
The importance of instilling a growth mindset in the students can’t be overstated. In fact, research has shown that a growth mindset is vastly superior to a fixed mindset when learning something new. Here are a few strategies which the educators employ in order to foster a much needed growth mindset in their students. So, without further ado, let us take a look at each one of them…
Importance of Struggle-
Educators should explain to the students that struggle is a normal part of the learning curve. When the students have difficulty understanding a concept or idea, it is then that real growth happens. You should encourage your students to not give up and push through in the face of struggle. This is what a growth mindset advocates.
If, on the other hand, the students take it to heart that their abilities are fixed and that there is no way for them to surpass their perceived limits with their efforts, they will in all likeness give up at the hint of the slightest problems. This situation is best avoided by advocating and instilling a growth mindset in your students and by letting them know the vitality of struggle in the learning process.
Encourage students to work hard-
Now, this may sound like a no-brainer but, in order to ensure that your students adopt the right mindset for learning, it is important to teach them the importance of perseverance and hard work. Educators should tell the students that their brains are highly plastic and malleable,
and that the harder they work, the more efficient their brains become in processing and storing information.
Embrace Mistakes-
We often hear that mistakes are the stepping stones to success. It is a simple yet highly effective idea which develops a highly effective learning mindset in individuals. Modeling this behavior in the students by accepting and working on your own mistakes can also be helpful.
Praise efforts and not intelligence-
A right mindset is an important piece of the puzzle which dictates student learning.
Importance of Struggle-
Educators should explain to the students that struggle is a normal part of the learning curve. When the students have difficulty understanding a concept or idea, it is then that real growth happens. You should encourage your students to not give up and push through in the face of struggle. This is what a growth mindset advocates.
