Students will be able to define growth mindset and distinguish it from fixed mindset. Students will identify how a growth mindset can help them overcome challenges and learn from setbacks.
Understanding a growth mindset empowers students to see challenges as opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and a love for learning. This perspective is crucial for navigating academic and personal hurdles.
Audience
7th Grade Group
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Through discussion and scenarios, students will explore the impact of mindset.
Distribute the What Do You Believe About Your Brain warm-up. * Instruct students to answer the prompt individually. * Facilitate a brief group share-out, asking students to share one thought from their warm-up. Encourage diverse responses without judgment.
Step 2
Introduction to Mindsets (Slide Deck)
10 minutes
Present the Fixed vs Growth Mindset slide deck. * Use the slides to introduce the concepts of fixed and growth mindsets. * Engage students in a discussion about the characteristics of each mindset. Ask questions like: 'What does a fixed mindset sound like?' and 'How does a growth mindset feel?'
Step 3
Mindset Shift Scenarios (Discussion)
15 minutes
Divide students into small groups (if not already in a small group setting, maintain whole group discussion). * Distribute the Mindset Shift Scenarios. * Instruct groups to read each scenario and discuss how someone with a fixed mindset might react versus someone with a growth mindset. * Ask them to brainstorm strategies for shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset in each situation. * Bring the groups back together for a whole-class discussion, sharing their insights and strategies. Facilitate by asking, 'What was a common theme you noticed?' or 'Which scenario resonated most with you and why?'
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways
5 minutes
Review the main differences between a fixed and growth mindset. * Emphasize that brains can grow and change with effort. * Encourage students to practice recognizing their own mindset and actively choosing a growth mindset in challenging situations.
Slide Deck
What's Your Mindset?
How do you think about your abilities and intelligence?
Welcome students and introduce the concept of mindsets. Explain that a mindset is just a way of thinking about abilities and intelligence.
Fixed Mindset: "I Can't Do It!"
Characteristics:
Believes abilities are permanent.
Avoids challenges to prevent failure.
Gives up easily when things get tough.
Sees effort as pointless if you're not naturally good.
Ignores useful feedback.
Introduce the fixed mindset. Explain that people with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence and talents are set and can't be changed.
Fixed Mindset in Action
Example:
"I'm just not good at math. There's no point in studying harder."
What happens if you think this way?
Provide an example of a fixed mindset in action. Ask students if they've ever felt this way or heard someone say something similar.
Growth Mindset: "I'll Learn How!"
Characteristics:
Believes abilities can be developed through hard work.
Embraces challenges as opportunities to learn.
Persists through setbacks.
Sees effort as the path to mastery.
Learns from criticism and feedback.
Introduce the growth mindset. Explain that people with a growth mindset believe their intelligence and talents can grow with effort and practice.
Growth Mindset in Action
Example:
"Math is tough right now, but if I practice and ask for help, I know I can improve."
What happens if you think this way?
Provide an example of a growth mindset in action. Ask students how this perspective is different from the fixed mindset example.
Fixed vs. Growth: A Choice
It's about how you think about your abilities.
Fixed Mindset = Abilities are set. Growth Mindset = Abilities can grow.
Which will you choose?
Summarize the key differences and emphasize that everyone can develop a growth mindset. This is a choice!
Discussion
Mindset Shift Scenarios
Instructions: Read each scenario below. Discuss with your group how someone with a fixed mindset might react, and then how someone with a growth mindset would approach the situation. Finally, brainstorm specific strategies to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset in each scenario.
Scenario 1: The Challenging Math Problem
You are given a challenging math problem in class. You try it once and get stuck. You immediately think, "I'm just not good at math."
Fixed Mindset Reaction:
Growth Mindset Approach:
Strategies for Shifting:
Scenario 2: Trying a New Sport
Your friends invite you to try out for a new sport you've never played before. You worry you'll look silly and won't be good at it.
Fixed Mindset Reaction:
Growth Mindset Approach:
Strategies for Shifting:
Scenario 3: Receiving Constructive Feedback
Your teacher returns an essay with a lot of suggestions for improvement. Your first thought is, "My writing is terrible, I'll never be a good writer."
Fixed Mindset Reaction:
Growth Mindset Approach:
Strategies for Shifting:
Warm Up
What Do You Believe About Your Brain?
Instructions: Take a few moments to reflect on the following prompt and write down your thoughts. There are no right or wrong answers!
Prompt: When you face a challenge in school, or learn something new that feels really difficult, what thoughts usually come to mind about your own abilities or your brain?
