Summary
Research shows that there is a link between a growth mindset and math success. Do you want to find out how to improve your math results by having students develop a growth mindset in mathematics?
Do you want to find out how to improve your math results by having students develop a growth mindset in mathematics? Research shows that there is a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids who have a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.
- ☀Download this BONUS Guide with everything you need to cultivate a positive classroom community.
- ➕Includes definitions, lesson ideas, mindset surveys for students and teachers, and printable posters.
- 🧠💪Research shows a link between a growth mindset and math success. Kids with a growth mindset about their abilities perform better and are more engaged in the classroom.👉Includes everything you need to start cultivating a more positive math classroom and students who love math. Download and get started today! Click here to download the Mindset Guide & Survey.
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A few years ago, I taught math to a group of students who kept complaining about learning new math concepts. It was frustrating because they weren’t even trying. They had it in their heads that it was too hard, they weren’t a “math person,” and they weren’t even going to try. It didn’t matter that I had an amazing lesson planned. I realized that I needed to change how they thought about themselves as mathematicians.
That is when I took a graduate math course that used the textbook “Mathematical Mindsets” by Jo Bolar. This book was excellent! The book discusses a clear gap between what research has shown to work in teaching math and what happens in schools and at home. It changed how I taught math and looked at life in general.
What Does Having a Growth Mindset Mean?
The way we think is called our “mindset.” Mindset is present in virtually every aspect of our lives and heavily influences the lens through which we see the world. There are two different kinds of mindsets: fixed mindset and growth mindset.
Definition of a Growth Mindset
People with growth mindsets believe that they can develop their skills, talents, and abilities over time with hard work, effort, and perseverance. Furthermore, our qualities are not inherent, but our willingness to learn, effort, and persistence determine how well we do.
There is no such thing as a “math person.” With hard work and perseverance, anyone can achieve success in any area. Furthermore, failures are viewed as opportunities for improvement.
It doesn’t ignore the fact that some people have more inherent skills for some things. We are all born with potential, but we might have innate strength or capacity in one or more specific areas. In addition, your skills can be improved with experience and effort, regardless of where you started.
It doesn’t matter how fast students master learning; it is about the perseverance and effort that they put forth and the strategies that they utilize. All children can be successful.
Examples of a Growth Mindset
History is filled with people who worked hard, refused to give up, and succeeded against all odds. People who have a growth mindset are more resilient when things get hard and focus on the process.
- “ I will learn to do this”
- “I’m going to get better at math.”
- “I will get better if I concentrate, practice, and keep trying.”
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
People with fixed mindsets have the belief that intelligence and talent are abilities that we are born with. They are fixed traits that cannot be significantly developed, and some people just have a talent for things that others do not.
People with a growth mindset believe our qualities are not inherent or natural but that our willingness to learn, effort, and persistence dictate how well we do.
Current neuroscience research emphasizes the concept of neuroplasticity and the ability of the brain to change and adapt itself throughout our entire lives.
All people have both mindsets, and it’s more a matter of which mindset you’re prone to choose in certain situations. And with this new information, reframe challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth.
What is the Importance of a Growth Mindset in the Classroom?
The growth mindset teacher can positively influence student performance and use the growth mindset ideas to change his or her classroom for the better. Your mindset changes the way you relate to people, and that mindset is infectious.
How Does a Growth Mindset Help Students?
When you get students to buy into the idea that the brain can grow and get stronger, motivation improves, and students strive to do better in school.
A growth mindset is all about practice and persistence, taking new challenges, and understanding that failures are just part of the process.
In addition, people who possess a growth mindset have better outcomes in academics, relationships, and other facets of life. Try out these Growth Mindset Lessons for Students that define Growth Mindset.
How to Be a Growth Mindset Teacher?
First, you need to find the voice of a growth mindset in your head. Using your growth mindset means a change in self-talk and an understanding that challenges are opportunities for growth. The most influential teachers are the ones who push and challenge their students and emphasize the process of learning, not just the outcomes.
| Fixed Mindset Teacher | Growth Mindset Teacher |
| Professional development is so boring. I never learn anything new. | I’ll listen with an open mind and try out new ideas. |
| This student is too far behind in math. | What can I do to help this student improve? |
| My class didn’t cooperate for my lesson. | What could I have done differently to make this lesson more engaging? |
5 Powerful Ideas to Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset in Mathematics
These ideas empower students and increase achievement through building growth mindsets. Try out these Growth Mindset Lessons for Students that define Growth Mindset.
Idea 1: Teach Kids What it Means to Have a Growth Mindset
Students must understand that intelligence is constantly changing based on effort, perseverance, practice, and the struggle they put forth. It grows as you use it.
Research has shown that teaching students the concept of a growth mindset and how they can harness its power can positively impact student achievement. In addition, they need to learn that they can achieve in all areas and that struggling is part of the process. Also, we need to help them understand the connection between effort and improvement.
I like to give this Math Mindset Survey to students as a starting point before I start talking about growth mindset. Then again, at the end of the year, to see how their mindset changed through practice and effort.
Also, introducing students to these ideas by reading books, showing videos, and having discussions throughout the year will foster a growth mindset classroom. Over time, students will start using the language of someone with a growth mindset. Check out these 5 lessons that help define a Growth Mindset: Growth Mindset Lessons for Students.
In addition, Youcubed.org and mindsetkit.org have many resources and math tasks to get you started.
Idea 2: Model and Praise Mistakes as Ways to Learn
With a growth mindset, we know that failure is an essential part of learning. There are excellent chances for us to grow when we fail. What is important is how we react to these situations and learn from them. Making mistakes is how we improve and get better.
Looking at your mistakes and learning from them is a great way to do better, and we need to see the importance of making mistakes. Students need to understand that struggle is an essential part of the learning process and embrace it.
In addition, mistakes should be seen as a normal and helpful part of the learning process. A classroom where learning from mistakes is welcome fosters growth mindsets.
There are millions of stories around the world of mistakes turned great inventions and failures turned success stories. Using some of these stories as valuable learning opportunities is key to normalizing them. In addition, modeling yourself making mistakes and how to handle them is essential for students to see. When students struggle, we mustn’t fix the problem for them but coach them through it.
Idea 3: Encourage Collaboration and Communication
Providing time for students to work together and solve problems using collaboration and communication is essential for them to see the joy in mathematics.
Students often believe that math is about getting the correct answer quickly. This isn’t true, and we need to focus on the process, not on speed. In addition, evidence shows that timed math tests increase kids’ anxiety and dislike of math.
Finding ways to set up your classroom with the idea of collaboration and communication is essential for a growth mindset classroom.
Idea 4: Build Relationships and a Positive Math Climate
Students simply don’t learn as much from teachers they don’t like. If you want students to develop a growth mindset and believe in their abilities, they must know that you believe in them.
Students in the fixed mindset are fearful of appearing stupid in front of teachers and classmates. They want everyone to know how smart they are, and they tend to avoid challenges.
Building strong relationships with your students is key to letting them know that they’re valued classroom community members. In addition, having students do engaging activities helps build a positive attitude toward math.
We also need to be mindful of our attitude towards math. This should be a positive part of the school day.
Idea 5: Do Hard Things To Make Your Brain Grow
During the productive struggle, kids develop perseverance to understand that when they struggle, they get smarter.
We need to provide rich, open-ended math tasks and allow opportunities for students to struggle. Students can wrestle with a task during a productive struggle, try various strategies, and eventually reach a solution. Teachers can guide and ask questions for support.
Furthermore, finding and relishing a challenge is critical in developing a growth-oriented classroom and fostering perseverance.
Math Classroom Setup for Developing a Growth Mindset
A growth-oriented classroom focuses on growth over grades and progress over performance. Students and their potential are viewed through the lens of growth and modeling a growth mindset daily.
In addition to teaching lessons, think of ways you can embed these messages within the classroom.
- Posters and Visuals with Growth Mindset Terminology around the Classroom- Click Here for 6 Growth Mindset Classroom Display Free Posters.
- Inspirational Quotes
- Pictures of People who exemplify a growth mindset
- Videos and Movies showing Failures and Perseverance
- Mindset Survey for Students
- Growth Mindset Lessons for Students that define Growth Mindset.
More Ideas & Videos on Growth Mindset
- TeachingChannel.org (My Favorite No)
- Youcubed.org
- Mindsetkit.org
- Growth Mindset in Math video
- A New Pathway Through Your Teaching: The Wonder of Mindset Mathematics
- Why Jo Boaler Believes This Math Curriculum Is the Key to Promoting Growth Mindset
Do You Have a Fixed or Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset in mathematics is all about improving and getting better over time. You have to keep trying to get better and not giving up when things are hard. In addition, with hard work and perseverance, everyone has the potential to achieve great things.
Students who feel successful in math class are happier and more engaged in learning. Check out The Free Ultimate Guide for Creating a Growth Mindset Classroom and Students Who Love Math for ideas, lessons, and mindset surveys to use in your classroom. In addition, you can also sign up to receive other freebies from me Here at Easternshoremathteacher.com.
Students need to understand that you believe in their unlimited potential for them to believe in their abilities. The goal of the growth mindset classroom is to develop in each student the love of learning. Let me know how you used these ideas in your classroom to develop a growth mindset in mathematics.
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