Mindset has been described as a set of beliefs that shape how we make sense of the world and ourselves. It influences how we think, feel and behave in any given situation. World renowned psychologist from Stanford University, Carol Dweck has found that it is our mindset that plays a significant role in determining achievement and success. Dweck is well known for her theories of intelligence, explaining that individuals can be placed on a continuum ranging from a “fixed” theory of intelligence through to a “growth” theory of intelligence. This is where the more commonly known terms of a fixed or growth mindset originate. Dweck defines the two mindsets by stating:
In a fixed mindset, students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits and that’s that. In a growth mindset, students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence.
These two mindsets play an important role in all aspects of a person’s life including coping with life’s challenges. A growth mindset encourages students to work hard and try new things, often resulting in more successful academic achievements. When approaching life’s challenges with a growth mindset, situations are viewed as opportunities to learn and grow, resulting in less stress and more success.
This week our Primary students participated in the live steaming of NED’s Mindset Mission. This show took students in Prep to Year 6 on an interactive educational journey to inspire, promote academic achievement and support our school’s values of becoming Clever, Confident and Connected young women. The show’s messages of mindset focussed on the ‘Power of Yet’ and the concept of us getting where we want to go or achieving something we really want to but maybe not as fast as we were hoping to. Students were encouraged to change their language from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this YET”, or “I’m no good at this” to “I’m not good at this YET”. The message of never giving up and being able to achieve more than you think you can by taking the next step shone through. NED and his special guests used Mount Everest as a metaphor for situations in our lives that we find challenging. This may be something we want to get better at or a challenge that we need to persevere at. The important thing is we keep climbing and never give up which is a key characteristic to having a growth mindset.
The primary students learnt the importance of encouraging others by building their self-confidence to help others shine. The show portrayed this by NED and his guests travelling to a tropical island where he found a treasure chest of rocks. The rock NED chose didn’t look like anything special but by polishing it, it then shone like a jewel. The show unpacked this message by telling the girls that everyone has something to offer and we can help others around us to ‘shine’. The girls were encouraged to think of themselves as a unique treasure and to never forget this.
The final mission for NED was hearing about how our brains are fuelled by learning. He was told that to do his best he needs to let go of “I know” so that he can learn and grow. The girls engaged in discovering that every time they learn something new their brain gets stronger, but every time they say “I know” their brain loses strength. Students were encouraged to take the choice to learn something new using the ‘power of yet’ to fuel their brains and help them grow.
For further resources and information on growth mindset and to read more about NED’s Mindset Mission visit NED’s Mindset Mission | Growth Mindset Assembly and Resources.
Students can visit Kids Page (mindsetmission.com) for videos on the fun yoyo tricks they were shown during the show and other fun activities to promote a growth mindset using the ‘power of yet’.
Kara Krehlik
Deputy Principal - Students