What is a Growth Mindset

GROWTH MINDSET?

According to psychologist, Carol Dweck, there are two types of mindsets: a fi xed mindset and a growth mindset. In a fi xed mindset, intelligence is viewed as static whereas with a growth mindset intelligence can be developed.

Scientists now know that you can

infl uence the structure of your brain,

because our brains are like plastic and we can mould them! Have you heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? When we use a particular part or process of our brain, the connections in that part of the brain are strengthened.

What we don’t use, we lose!

We are not born with a fi xed level of intelligence and everyone can develop their abilities through: • hard work • effective strategies • seeking support from others • seeing setbacks as opportunities to build new skills

Everyone is a mixture of fi xed and growth mindset

so try to nurture and strengthen your growth mindset.

1.TIPS TO

CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET FOR HIGHER LEVEL LEARNING

Grow your brain in the way you want, by thinking carefully about what you want to focus your attention and efforts on. 2. Shift your perspective from ‘what am I studying’ to ‘how am I learning’?

3. Think about how you learn best? Who and what has helped you achieve your learning goals up to now? Also consider what doesn’t work well for you. 4. Try to identify the people you can go to for support. Seeking support is a key growth mindset behaviour.

YET!

5.Add the word ‘yet’ to statements to reinforce your belief that you can grow your abilities over time, for example; “I don’t feel confi dent with academic writing....yet”.

UCC RESOURCES TO HELP 6.

Notice the times when your fi xed mindset voice is loud. Can you speak back to your fi xed mindset persona? What can you say to yourself to strengthen your growth mindset?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON GROWTH MINDSET

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1CHPnZfFmU • https://mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/

Credit: Content written by Dr. Eithne Hunt (Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, UCC) based on the work of Professor Carol Dweck and colleagues in the Mindset Scholars Network

https://mindsetscholarsnetwork.org/

Funded by the Higher Education Authority Innovation and Transformation Programme