Growth vs fixed

In this video on iTunes, the topic was discussed of teaching students to develop their mind vs. their mind being already developed and they just have to use it how it is. In other words, some students think that their brain is already at the full capacity and when subjects are hard for them, they think that they are not smart enough to do it. However, the kids who believe their brain and mind is continually growing, and gaining information, they work harder and overcome the harder subjects. Professor of Psychology, Carol Dweck explains a scenario where they were able to take half of a class and teach them the "growth" method of learning. The classroom teacher had no knowledge of which kids were being taught the growth method and which were being left alone with the fixed knowledge. After a few weeks, the teacher could tell who was in the "growth" program, and could see a drastic improvement in test scores and learning ability.

In the classroom, if we encourage our children to expand their minds, and ensure them that the more they learn, the more their knowledge will expand. We need to re-assure students that they do not have a fixed mind. This video is just a reminder that we as teachers are mostly responsible for the future of todays children, and their outcome.