• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Cultivating Growth Mindset

user image

mschwartz

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Cultivating Growth Mindset

Students will be able to differentiate between fixed and growth mindsets, identify limiting beliefs, and develop strategies for embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and resilience.

This lesson empowers students to adopt a more positive approach to setbacks, improving their academic performance and personal well-being by fostering a resilient and adaptable outlook.

Audience

High School Students (10th-12th Grade)

Time

50 Minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, direct instruction, and practical application.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck, Growth Mindset Worksheet, Embracing Challenges Activity, and Pens/Pencils

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 Minutes

  • Review the Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck and lesson plan thoroughly.
    - Print copies of the Growth Mindset Worksheet (one per student).
    - Gather any necessary materials for the Embracing Challenges Activity.
    - Ensure projector/smartboard is functional and ready for presentation.

Step 1

Introduction: What's Your Mindset?

10 Minutes

  • Begin by projecting the first slide of the Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck.
    - Ask students: "How do you typically react when you face a challenge or make a mistake?" Allow for a few student responses.
    - Introduce the concept of 'mindset' and explain that today's lesson will explore how our mindsets influence our ability to learn and grow.
    - Use slides 1-3 of the Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck to introduce fixed vs. growth mindsets.

Step 2

Understanding Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

15 Minutes

  • Use slides 4-8 of the Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck to delve deeper into the characteristics of fixed and growth mindsets.
    - Facilitate a short discussion: "Can you think of a time when you or someone you know demonstrated a fixed mindset? A growth mindset?"
    - Distribute the Growth Mindset Worksheet.
    - Instruct students to complete Part 1 of the worksheet, identifying statements as fixed or growth mindset.

Step 3

Embracing Challenges: Strategies for Growth

15 Minutes

  • Transition to strategies for cultivating a growth mindset using slides 9-12 of the Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck.
    - Discuss the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities and learning from setbacks.
    - Introduce the Embracing Challenges Activity.
    - Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
    - Each group will work through the scenarios provided in the Embracing Challenges Activity and discuss how to apply growth mindset strategies. Monitor and guide groups as needed.

Step 4

Wrap-Up and Reflection

10 Minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    - Ask each group to share one key takeaway or strategy from their activity.
    - Use slide 13 of the Cultivating Growth Mindset Slide Deck for a final thought or quote.
    - Have students complete Part 2 of the Growth Mindset Worksheet as an individual reflection or exit ticket.
    - Conclude by reiterating that cultivating a growth mindset is a continuous journey that empowers them to achieve their full potential.
lenny

Slide Deck

Cultivating Growth Mindset: Embracing Challenges

How do you typically react when you face a challenge or make a mistake?

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic. Start with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge and set the stage for mindset discussion.

What is a Mindset?

A mindset is a set of beliefs that shapes how you make sense of the world and yourself.
It influences how you think, feel, and behave in any given situation.

Explain that today we'll explore how our way of thinking, our 'mindset,' deeply influences our learning and growth.

Two Types of Mindsets

According to psychologist Carol Dweck, there are two fundamental mindsets:

  • Fixed Mindset
  • Growth Mindset

Introduce the two main types of mindsets: Fixed and Growth. Briefly explain that they are at opposite ends of a spectrum.

The Fixed Mindset

Belief: Our abilities and intelligence are static traits.

Characteristics:

  • Avoids challenges
  • Gives up easily
  • Ignores useful negative feedback
  • Feels threatened by the success of others
  • Sees effort as fruitless

Detail the characteristics of a fixed mindset. Emphasize how this mindset can limit potential.

The Growth Mindset

Belief: Our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work.

Characteristics:

  • Embraces challenges
  • Persists in the face of setbacks
  • Learns from criticism
  • Finds inspiration in the success of others
  • Sees effort as a path to mastery

Detail the characteristics of a growth mindset. Highlight how this mindset fosters resilience and learning.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

If you believe your intelligence is fixed... (you think it can't change much)

If you believe your intelligence can grow... (you think it can develop)

Provide a simple visual comparison to solidify understanding. Ask students to think about which statements resonate more with them.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

It's not about being born with a growth mindset; it's about actively working to develop one.

How can we shift our thinking?

Introduce the idea of actionable strategies. Explain that mindset isn't permanent and can be cultivated.

Strategy 1: Recognize and Reframe

When a fixed mindset thought pops up (e.g., "I can't do this!"), acknowledge it.

Then, actively reframe it into a growth mindset thought (e.g., "I can't do this yet, but I can learn how!")

Present the first strategy: recognizing and challenging fixed mindset thoughts. Give an example.

Strategy 2: Embrace Challenges

Instead of avoiding difficult tasks, view them as chances to learn and strengthen your abilities.

Every mistake is a learning opportunity!

Present the second strategy: seeing challenges as opportunities. Discuss the value of struggle.

Strategy 3: Value Effort and Process

Success comes not just from innate talent, but from hard work, dedication, and the strategies you use.

Celebrate the journey, not just the destination.

Present the third strategy: focusing on effort and process, not just outcomes. Explain why effort is key.

Strategy 4: Learn from Feedback and Mistakes

Don't take criticism personally; use it as information to help you improve.

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

Present the fourth strategy: learning from feedback and mistakes. Explain that these are valuable tools for improvement.

Your Mindset, Your Power

Your mindset is a powerful tool. By cultivating a growth mindset, you unlock your potential for continuous learning, resilience, and achievement.

Concluding thought. Emphasize that it's a journey and worth the effort.

lenny

Worksheet

Growth Mindset Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _____________

Part 1: Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Read each statement below. Write "F" for Fixed Mindset or "G" for Growth Mindset in the blank space.

  1. _____ "I'm just not good at math. I'll never understand it."



  2. _____ "This project is really hard, but I know if I keep working at it, I can improve."



  3. _____ "Why bother studying? Some people are just naturally smart, and I'm not one of them."



  4. _____ "I made a mistake, but it's a chance to learn what went wrong and try a different approach next time."



  5. _____ "I don't like trying new things if I'm not sure I'll be good at them right away."



  6. _____ "Seeing my friends succeed inspires me to work harder on my own goals."



  7. _____ "Feedback just makes me feel bad about myself. I'd rather not hear it."



  8. _____ "I believe my intelligence can grow and develop with effort and learning."



Part 2: Reflect and Apply

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

  1. Describe a time when you experienced a challenge and reacted with a fixed mindset. What was the outcome?






  2. How could you have approached that same challenge with a growth mindset? What might have been different?






  3. Identify one specific strategy from today's lesson that you will try to use to cultivate your own growth mindset. How will you implement it?











lenny
lenny

Activity

Embracing Challenges Activity

Instructions: Work in your small groups to discuss each scenario below. For each scenario, answer the questions that follow, applying the growth mindset strategies we discussed.

Scenario 1: The Tough Project

Sarah is given a challenging research project in her history class. It requires a lot of independent research and critical thinking, areas where Sarah doesn't feel very confident. Her first thought is, "This is too hard. I'm going to fail." She feels overwhelmed and considers doing minimal work just to get it over with.

  1. If Sarah maintains a fixed mindset, what is a likely outcome for her project and her learning?



  2. How could Sarah reframe her initial thought ("This is too hard. I'm going to fail") using a growth mindset?






  3. What specific growth mindset strategies could Sarah employ to tackle this project?











Scenario 2: The Audition Setback

Liam loves playing the guitar and decides to audition for a competitive school band. He practices for weeks, but during the audition, he makes several mistakes and doesn't get a spot in the band. He's crushed and thinks, "I'm just not talented enough. I should probably just quit playing."

  1. How is Liam's initial reaction demonstrating a fixed mindset?



  2. What advice would you give Liam, drawing on growth mindset principles, to help him process this setback?






  3. What could Liam do next to demonstrate a growth mindset in his musical journey?











Scenario 3: Learning a New Skill

Maria decides to learn coding, something entirely new to her. The online tutorials are confusing, and debugging her first simple program takes hours. She feels frustrated and starts to believe she's not smart enough for technology.

  1. What fixed mindset thoughts are creeping into Maria's mind?



  2. How can Maria apply the strategy of "valuing effort and process" to her coding journey?






  3. What role can feedback (from peers, online communities, or even error messages) play in Maria's growth mindset development?











lenny
lenny