Middle school can be a challenging time for students. They are transitioning from childhood to adolescence, facing new academic and social pressures, and trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. As a teacher of middle schoolers for 15 years, I have seen firsthand the struggles that many students face during this time. One of the most important things we can do as educators is to help our students develop a growth mindset.
What is a growth mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence. It is the opposite of a fixed mindset, which is the belief that intelligence and abilities are fixed traits that cannot be changed. Students with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth.
Why is a growth mindset important?
Research has shown that students with a growth mindset are more motivated, more resilient, and more successful academically than those with a fixed mindset. They are more likely to take on challenging tasks, seek out feedback, and persevere through difficult times. They are also more likely to develop a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.
How can we help students develop a growth mindset?
1. Teach them about the brain
One of the most effective ways to help students develop a growth mindset is to teach them about the brain. Explain to them that the brain is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Teach them about neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences. Help them understand that when they work hard and persist through challenges, they are actually strengthening their brains and making themselves smarter.
2. Praise effort, not ability
When we praise students for their abilities (e.g. “You’re so smart!”), we are inadvertently reinforcing a fixed mindset. Students may begin to believe that their intelligence is a fixed trait that cannot be changed, and that any setbacks or failures are a reflection of their inherent abilities. Instead, we should praise students for their effort and persistence (e.g. “I’m proud of you for working so hard on that project!”). This reinforces the idea that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.
3. Emphasize the power of “yet”
When students say “I can’t do it,” we should respond with “You can’t do it yet.” This simple shift in language emphasizes the idea that with hard work and persistence, anything is possible. Encourage students to view challenges as opportunities for growth, and to embrace the process of learning and improving.
4. Model a growth mindset
As educators, we have a powerful influence on our students. By modeling a growth mindset ourselves, we can help our students develop this mindset as well. Share your own struggles and failures with your students, and talk about how you overcame them. Emphasize the importance of hard work and persistence, and celebrate your students’ efforts and progress.
5. Use growth mindset language
The language we use can have a powerful impact on our students’ mindsets. Use phrases like “I’m still learning” or “This is challenging, but I’ll keep trying” to model a growth mindset. Encourage your students to use similar language, and provide feedback that emphasizes effort and progress rather than just the end result.
6. Provide opportunities for growth
Finally, it’s important to provide opportunities for students to develop a growth mindset. This means challenging them with tasks that are just beyond their current abilities, and providing support and feedback as they work to overcome these challenges. Encourage them to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Create a classroom culture that values effort and growth over perfection and achievement.
In conclusion, developing a growth mindset is one of the most important things we can do to help our middle school students succeed. By teaching them about the brain, praising effort over ability, emphasizing the power of “yet,” modeling a growth mindset, using growth mindset language, and providing opportunities for growth, we can help our students become more motivated, resilient, and successful learners. Let’s work together to help our students develop the mindset they need to thrive in school and in life.
