Last week the 3/4s explored the concept of a growth mindset, and compared this way of thinking to a fixed mindset. We discussed individual areas of expertise and our feelings about learning when we’re engaged and motivated. Likewise, we considered the times we’ve struggled to stay focused and how our thinking might change when we’re frustrated by challenges. This experience linked to the P.H.P.S capabilities of Resilience and Determination.
When we recognise our own thinking about different learning experiences, it becomes easier to persist in the face of challenges. When we realise our efforts are not in vain and look for improvement we are more likely to persevere. Here is what some of the students had to say about the topic:
What can you say about a growth mindset compared to a fixed mindset?
Rudi N2 – Fixed mindset are like a negative thing and growth mindset is something where you say you can improve on something. A fixed mindset might be: I can’t do this. A growth mindset might be: I’m gonna try. You want to have a growth mindset but when things are getting hard you can sometimes have a fixed mindset.
Have you had an experience when you’ve had a growth mindset?
Matilda N2 – When I went surfing I caught a wave and my dad pushed me onto it and I stood up for the whole time and went really fast without falling off. I was telling myself I was doing good and this helped me know I was doing good, so I stayed on the board. Sometimes if there’s a huge wave coming and the water goes up your nose it feels horrible. It doesn’t make me want to give up because I like surfing. Sometimes I fall off the board and think I can’t do it but because I like surfing I keep going.
Why is it important to have a growth mindset?
Hugo N1 – It kinda makes you have a better way of thinking, to think outside of the box, so you think differently to other people and don’t give up. Basically, all the capabilities of a growth mindset and being determined. You can set goals for yourself. With a fixed mindset you may think something is too hard but with a growth mindset you know nothing can stop you. Sometimes I’ve had a fixed mindset, thinking negatively about my abilities, but it’s something I’m working on.
What advice would you give to someone with a fixed mindset?
Matilda N1 – I would tell them to keep on going and even if they want to stop just don’t stop, keep on going. If they give up they will have a fixed mindset and you don’t want a fixed mindset at all. I feel like I have a growth mindset in maths where there is multiplication, division, addition and subtraction because I’m normally not as eager to achieve in maths, but I’m getting better. What I left knowing is that nothing is hard, it’s just challenging. By hard I mean it’s going to be really, really hard, but challenging just sounds like a step easier than hard. It’s something you can do.
Can you remember a time when having a growth mindset helped you achieve a goal?
Marny N1 – In year two we did a project which was about the history of something, for example AFL, Art, Books, etc. We had ten weeks to do a timeline, research and present it in any way we wanted to. It was sort of hard for me to think about planning it but I pushed myself to keep on going and by the end I think I finished it how I planned it and how I wanted it to go. If I had a fixed mindset I wouldn’t have been able to do everything I wanted to do. It was probably one of my first experiences realising I could complete something big like that. Spending a long time on research and making a slideshow. I know if I could do that project I can do other, bigger projects. I feel more motivated to do more projects. I learned a lot about reliable sources and putting research into my own words and making everything come together as a presentation.
