Growth Mindset

Image Information: Growth mindset compared to fixed mindset.
Link: Flickr

The above image sends a very distinct message about the "growth mindset," especially as discussed by Dr. Carol Dweck. The picture provides two halves of the brain. One half of the brain, cultivated by the "growth mindset," displays the colors of the rainbow in a representation of freedom, creativity, and ingenuity. The other half of the brain, however, represents the "fixed mindset." The tones of grey and lack of color depict a brain void of excitement and growth.

Dweck's describes the growth mindset as praising the process of learning, as opposed to intelligence itself. In one example she provides, students that failed in an academic exercise were greeted with the phrase "not yet." This refers to frame of thought in which the results are not as emphasized as the means. Instead of teaching students a fixed mindset, where simply the outcome is judged, the learning process is the focus. This helps eliminate the loss of focus and desire that stem from outright failure. She establishes that when students view effort and difficulty with a new perspective, results improve. In fact, those involved develop a love for the learning process!

Regarding my personal location on the growth mindset-fixed mindset spectrum, I would say that I tend towards the growth mindset section. My education has been established in a fixed mindset perspective, and I actually enjoy the tangible successes and failures of this academic viewpoint. However, while learning about the growth mindset, I have come to realize that I have been able to incorporate this in both my education and my personal life. Results are important, but there are many valuable lessons to be obtained from understanding the learning process itself.

Perhaps my biggest learning goal this semester is to develop diligence in both my academic and personal lives! With only twelve hours of class and graduation right around the corner, there will be plenty of opportunities to slack on time management. I hope to continue to plan appropriately and create order in a way that provides freedom. This applies to this class in particular, with the wide range of scheduling possibilities!


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