MINDSET

1. MINDSET The Power Of Effort In Becoming A Lifelong Learner Based on the work of Carol S. Dweck-professor of psychology at Stanford University Compiled by Janet E. Coppess – September 2013

2. Intelligence • Intelligence was long believed to be fixed – the amount of intelligence possessed at birth was the amount a person possessed until death. • Current brain research dispels the belief in “fixed” intelligence. Intelligence increases or decreases over time depending on the environment • Intelligence is dependent on the interaction between genetic inheritance and experiences provided by the environment. It is changeable. • “The brain, with its complex architecture and limitless potential, is a highly plastic, constantly changing entity that is powerfully shaped by our experiences in childhood and throughout life…” • “Giftedness may be developed and expressed to a moderate, high, or profound level.” • “Studies indicate that we continue to grow in intelligence or show a loss of intelligence as we develop depending on the environment with which we interact, the intellectual challenges in which we engage, and on our personality characteristics.” • Clark, Barbara. Growing Up Gifted. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.

3. Teaching About the Brain and Mindset • The brain is like a muscle – the more you use it the stronger it becomes-you can become smarter • Neurons (nerve cells) in the brain form new connections (multiply and get stronger) when you learn new things, resulting in a stronger, smarter brain • You can influence your brain • You can get smarter no matter how old you are with effort and work • Blackwell, L.S. (2002). Psychological mediators of student achievement during the transition to junior high school: The role of implicit theories. (Doctoral Dissertation, Columbia University, 2002.) UMI #3048094

4. Mindset • There are two types of Mindset: • Fixed Mindset • Growth Mindset • -Carol Dweck

5. The Fixed Mindset • Students with a fixed mindset believe in fixed intelligence • Students with a fixed mindset believe you must look smart at all costs • Students with a fixed mindset lack confidence in themselves • Students with a fixed mindset believe hard work proves a lack of intelligence (true of many “gifted” students) • Students with a fixed mindset do not correct their mistakes • A fixed mindset limits intellectual growth.

6. The Growth Mindset • Students with a growth mindset believe their abilities and intelligence can be developed • Students with a growth mindset want tasks that stretch their abilities • Students with a growth mindset believe effort enhances their abilities and intelligence –even geniuses have to work hard • Students with a growth mindset confronted their mistakes and deficiencies and sought methods/strategies and new knowledge to remedy them • Students with a growth mindset make learning their major goal

7. What Is Your Mindset? • Fixed 1. Don’t make mistakes 2. Don’t work hard 3. If you make mistakes, don’t try to repair them • Growth 1. Take on challenges 2. Work hard 3. Confront your deficiencies (mistakes) and correct them

8. Mindset Messages Praise for : Intelligence: Effort: Students adopt a fixed mindset Students adopt a growth mindset -reject challenge -embrace challenge -lose confidence when mistakes are -maintain confidence when mistakes made are made -perform poorly -perform far better (even on an IQ test

9. Words to Encourage Growth • What did you struggle with today? • This is hard, this is fun, what should we do next? • You can grow your intelligence. • You can learn. You can stretch. You can keep mastering new things. • You’ll get there. • How many ways did you try it before it turned out the way you wanted it? • What do you plan to do next? • Are you pleased with what you did? • That looks like it took so much work! • That looks like it took a lot of effort. • How did you figure that out? • What opportunities for growth are available to me/you today?

10. Famous People with a Growth Mindset • Mozart- practiced until his hands were deformed, it took him ten years to produce any quality work we recognize today • Einstein – his teachers felt he was subnormal • Bruce Jenner –” …the way you get ahead in life is hard work.” (1976 Olympic Gold Medalist in the decathlon) • Babe Ruth -practiced daily • Abraham Lincoln – lost several elections, kept trying. • Chuck Yeager – elite military pilot – “The best pilots fly more than the others; that’s why they’re the best.” (Hero of The Right Stuff)

11. Grow Your Brain Neurons • You have BILLIONS of neurons! • You can grow more all the time! • Healthy CHOICES grow healthy BRAINS!

12. Recipe for Growing Your Brain EatDrink SleepExercise -Nuts -Water -9-10 hours every night -Every day -Fish -Fruits -Vegetables -Whole grains Limit -Pop -Sugar -Chips -Junk Food

13. Calm Brains Learn! • Use Your Strategies: -Square breathing -Visualization -Positive Self-Talk (I can do this, I practiced, More practice will get me there, etc.) -Avoid Fight or Flight Syndrome – (You fight or run!)

14. Square Breathing 1. Take a deep breath, breathing in for four seconds. 2. Hold your breath for four seconds. 3. Slowly exhale for four seconds. 4. Do nothing for four seconds and then repeat the steps. • When should I use this technique? • Before taking a test • In a stressful situation • When someone gets in your face • In any unfamiliar situation where you feel uncomfortable

15. B.R.A.I.N • YOUR STRATEGY FOR ANY BIG PROBLEM: • B. REAK IT DOWN • R.EPEAT • A. CTION • I.NFORMATION SEARCH • N.EVER GIVE UP!

16. GROWTH MINDSET PLEDGE We pledge to: • Get excited about challenges. We say Yea! • Keep trying, even when it gets hard. • Listen carefully when people are trying to help us. • Cheer for each other when we work hard! • Remember that everyone has to practice if they want to learn. Mindset Works.com

17. Main Idea “It matters greatly what students believe about their intelligence.” “…when teachers believe in fixed intelligence, this is exactly what happens. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.” -Carol Dweck “Boosting Achievement with Messages that Motivate.” – Carol Dweck.