Lecture Notes: Growth Mindset and the Brain

Introduction to Steve Jobs

• Steve Jobs struggled academically as a child.
• Dropped out of college after six months.
• He returned Coke bottles for money.
• Co-founder of Apple.
• Demonstrates having a growth mindset.

Growth Mindset

• Definition: Belief that with effort, the brain can be trained to become smarter.
• Scientists compare the brain to a muscle.
  • Using it can cause growth and increased weight.

Brain Functionality

• Learning new things multiplies and strengthens brain connections.
• Challenging the mind leads to more brain cell growth.
• Topics that seem difficult become easier over time.

Characteristics of a Growth Mindset

• Effort is required to train the brain.
• Explore new information despite fear and frustration.
• Important to actively build connections in the brain.

Strategies for Developing a Growth Mindset

• Repetition: Reinforce learning through reading, writing, or saying important information 5-10 times.
• Persistence: Increase effort when faced with difficult tasks to strengthen brain connections.

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the potential to strengthen and make the brain smarter with a growth mindset.
• Encourages personal responsibility for taking charge of one's learning.