What does the term "growth mindset" refer to in student development?

The term "growth mindset" refers to the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, effort, and learning from challenges and failures. This concept, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes the importance of resilience, perseverance, and the understanding that personal development is an ongoing process. Students with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and view effort as a path to mastery. By fostering a mindset that values growth and learning, students can enhance their performance and achieve greater success in their academic endeavors.

In contrast to this, a fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that intelligence and abilities are static and unchangeable, leading to the avoidance of challenges and a fear of failure, which hinders personal development. A focus on avoiding challenges and methods of grading students are not central to the concept of a growth mindset. Instead, these practices might lead to a limited understanding of one's potential for growth.