Fixed Mind Set

The article outlines the two mind-sets in which people can have about a student’s intelligence, a fixed mind-set or a growth mind-set. A fixed mind-set refers to those that believe in intelligence being a trait, you either have it or you don’t. A growth mind-set states intelligence can be developed over time using a variety of methods, implying that intellectual growth is achievable.
Students’ mind-sets show to have a direct impact on their grades. Teaching students to form a growth mind-set raises their grades and achievement scores significantly, especially those stereotypically portrayed as underachievers. These include Black or Latino students and girls in both science and mathematics, adapting such mind-sets helps both engagement and achievement.
A few hundred students were observed transitioning from sixth to seventh grade. Mind-set measurements were taken at the beginning of the year and grades monitored over the following two years. Those observed had similar initial mathematics achievement, however they had different mind-sets. Grades were shown to differ over the first term and diverge thereafter. Those with a growth mind-set outperformed those with a fixed mind-set due to their belief in intellectual development. This entailing focus, effort and resilient to setbacks. Fixed …show more content…
A group of seventh grade students with declining mathematics grades attended, half taught study skills (control group), the other half both study skills and a growth mind-set. This entailed learning their brain was like a muscle: the more they used it the stronger it became. They were taught every time they stretched their learning, new neuronal connections were established, allowing them to become more intelligent overtime. This study showed the control group to continue with grade declination, however the group receiving growth mind-set tuition were seen to make improvements in both grades and attitude towards