Overview
This lecture discusses the concept of the "power of yet" and contrasts growth mindset with fixed mindset, emphasizing how effort and learning from failure lead to greater achievement and resilience.
The Power of "Yet"
- "Not Yet" as a grade suggests ongoing progress rather than failure.
- Viewing failure as "not yet" puts students on a learning path and encourages persistence.
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
- Growth mindset: belief that abilities can be developed through effort.
- Fixed mindset: belief that intelligence is static and being evaluated.
- Growth mindset students embrace challenges; fixed mindset students avoid them.
- Students with a fixed mindset may cheat or compare themselves to others to feel better.
- Brain studies show growth mindset students engage deeply with errors; fixed mindset students disengage.
Educational Practices and Praise
- Praising intelligence/talent leads to less resilience; praising effort, strategies, and improvement builds resilience.
- Process praise encourages hardiness and perseverance.
- Online math games that reward effort and process increase engagement and persistence.
Changing Mindsets and Impact
- Teaching students that effort grows the brain leads to improved grades, especially in struggling students.
- Growth mindset interventions can close achievement gaps in underperforming groups.
- Classroom examples: significant performance improvements in Harlem, South Bronx, and Native American schools after growth mindset approaches.
Equality Through Growth Mindset
- Growth mindset classrooms can transform effort and difficulty from signs of failure to opportunities for growth.
- All children should have the right to environments that foster a growth mindset and the power of "yet".
Key Terms & Definitions
- Growth Mindset — belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and effort.
- Fixed Mindset — belief that intelligence is static and unchangeable.
- Process Praise — praising effort, strategies, focus, perseverance, and improvement rather than innate intelligence.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice praising effort and strategies in others and yourself.
- Reflect on your own mindset when facing difficulty.
- If assigned, read further about growth mindset interventions and their classroom applications.