How does your mindset impact learning?

Mindset impacts learning by shaping how how the learning sees him or herself in the process. For example, rather than the content itself, it is often the mindset that impacts how someone sees their learning journey. It is essential to have student build a growth mindset, rather than a mindset determined by expectations and outcomes. When we release attachment to the outcomes and the expectations associated with it, we can begin to build a mindset that is more centered around learning and growth. Additionally, using a strength based approach to mindset can empower the learner to embrace the process and challenges that come with it. Setbacks in learning are no longer seen as as failures, but rather learning milestones on the whole journey.

Individuals with fixed mindset are tend to have borders and "must" sentences in their heads. They behave according to those standards that they have created throughout their experiences. Usually, people and occasions that does not fit in those standards form a threat to those who have a fixed mindset.

The mind set of an individual plays a crucial role in their learning journey. A growth mindset, characterized by the belief that intelligence & abilities can be developed & improved through hard work & dedication, leads to a positive approach towards learning. This mindset allows individuals to view challenges as opportunities for growth & learning, rather than obstacles. It also encourages them to persist in the face of difficulties & see setbacks as temporary rather than permanent. On the other hand, a fixed mindset, where one believes that their capabilities are limited & cannot be changed, can hinder learning. This mindset can lead to a fear of failure & a tendency to give up easily when faced with challenges.

Mindset plays a pivotal role in learning. It can either propel us forward or hold us back. Here’s a story illustrating this: Character: Meet Ravi, a bright student. Belief: He believed intelligence was fixed. Challenge: Faced a tough math problem. Reaction: He thought, “I’m not a math person.” Result: He gave up quickly. Impact: His learning stagnated. Realization: A friend explained, “Intelligence can grow.” Change: Ravi started embracing challenges. Outcome: His math skills improved. Conclusion: Ravi’s story shows how a fixed mindset can limit learning, but understanding that abilities can be developed can lead to growth.

Mindset significantly influences learning outcomes. A growth mindset, in particular, can lead to remarkable progress. Here’s an illustrative story: Courageous Sita, an average student. Believed intelligence could be developed. Encountered a complex science concept. Reacted positively: “I can learn this with effort.” Acted diligently, studied, and sought help. Understood the concept gradually. Improved her learning. Realized the power of a growth mindset. Changed her approach to all subjects. Enhanced her academic performance. Concluded: Growth mindset enhances learning. Mnemonic: Courageous Believers Encounter Reactions, Act Understandingly, Improve, Realize, Change, Enhance, Conclude.

I think that the growth mindset is something that we gain while we're growing up. It is hard to develop growth mindset in environments where individuals performances are compared to each other. It might be in family, in school or even in professional life. Fostering a growth mindset requires a supportive and encouraging environment that values effort and resilience over innate abilities or talent. In such settings, individuals feel empowered to take on challenges, learn from failures, and persist in the face of setbacks.

The growth mindset can easily be observed in a math class. Think about two students in a math class, face a challenging problem set. First student, "Ayşe" with a growth mindset, sees problems as opportunities to learn, stays curious, and welcomes feedback for improvement. Meanwhile, "Leyla," with a fixed mindset, feels anxious, avoids challenges, and rejects feedback, hindering his learning progress. Ayşe's approach leads to continuous improvement, while Leyla's mindset limits her engagement and learning.

I remember, a few years ago, one of my mentors was telling me: "Many people who are in a job for decades are proudly saying: I have 25 years experience in that job". Is that really true? Most of those people made an apprenticeship oder training, learned the skills and repeat those skills. What is happening with that? A quote from Albert Einstein says: „Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results"! For growing, learning, developing the own person, it is more than important to have mindset which supports exactly those things. To break routines it is more than important to ask the question every time: How I am doing that job, is it still the best way. Can I improve the way to work - in a positive way.

I strive to model a growth mindset to my students by showcasing that I am also on a constant journey of learning. I emphasize the importance of effort, feedback, and ongoing progress. By openly sharing my own experiences of facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and celebrating successes, I aim to create an environment where learning is not only valued but also embraced by everyone in the classroom.

The psychology of learning is evidence based. The probability to keep the learned information in presence is the highest (90%), to start DOING the things you have learned - immediately. I trained as a banker at a bank that unfortunately no longer exists under its former name. The secret of why the trainees did much better than those from other banks was that we were directly involved in the banking business. We served customers instead of just standing next to them. We processed loan applications ourselves instead of just watching etc. The results were brilliantly better. Of course we also made mistakes, but the error culture at this bank was so brilliant at all hierarchical levels that nobody had to be afraid of failing.

An out-of-the-box mindset is about challenging the status quo and thinking differently. It’s about questioning existing methods, finding new perspectives, and daring to try innovative solutions. It’s not just about thinking outside the box, but realizing there is no box. It’s a mindset that encourages creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, leading to breakthroughs and advancements. It’s about seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, and turning challenges into stepping stones for success. 🌟

Mindset matters, both of our students, our teachers and our school leaders. It is important that we model continued development and be comfort with our own challenge areas. If we model fear of critique, it is no wonder students may take on feedback personally. We cannot ask this of our learners if we are not willing to do the work on our mindsets too!

I believe in being realistic with my students, acknowledging that everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. I emphasize that putting forth their best effort is the most important thing they can do. As their teacher, I make it a priority to demonstrate a growth mindset by showing that I, too, am continuously learning and growing. I stress the significance of effort, feedback, and ongoing progress.