Lesson Plan
Is Your Mindset Fixed or Growing?
Students will be able to differentiate between fixed and growth mindset statements and reframe a fixed mindset thought into a growth mindset one.
Understanding fixed and growth mindsets empowers students to approach learning and challenges with resilience and a positive outlook, fostering personal growth and academic success.
Audience
7th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through a quiz, interactive slides, and scenario-based role-play, students will explore mindsets.
Materials
Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Worksheet: Mindset Matters Worksheet, Activity: Mindset Scenario Cards, and Slide Deck: Is Your Mindset Fixed or Growing? Slide Deck
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Is Your Mindset Fixed or Growing? Slide Deck and become familiar with the content.
- Print copies of the Mindset Matters Worksheet (one per student).
- Print and cut out the Mindset Scenario Cards.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is ready for use.
- Consider any modifications for diverse learners.
Step 1
Mindset Quiz and Introduction
5 minutes
- Hook (2 minutes): Begin by asking students: "How do you react when you face a challenge? Do you give up, or do you try harder?" Briefly discuss responses.
- Mindset Quiz (3 minutes): Distribute the Mindset Matters Worksheet and instruct students to complete the
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Slide Deck
Is Your Mindset Fixed or Growing?
How do you react when you face a challenge? Do you give up, or do you try harder?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask an engaging question to activate prior knowledge about facing challenges.
Mindset Check-in!
Let's take a quick quiz to see where your mindset stands. No right or wrong answers, just honest reflection!
(Distribute Mindset Matters Worksheet)
Explain that today we'll explore two powerful ways our brains think: Fixed and Growth Mindsets. Explain the quiz.
The Fixed Mindset
'I'm either good at it, or I'm not.'
- Believes abilities are unchangeable.
- Avoids challenges to prevent failure.
- Gives up easily when faced with obstacles.
- Ignores useful negative feedback.
- Feels threatened by the success of others.
Introduce the concept of a fixed mindset. Give examples of fixed mindset thoughts and behaviors.
The Growth Mindset
'I can learn anything I want to.'
- Believes abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work.
- Embraces challenges as opportunities to grow.
- Persists in the face of setbacks.
- Learns from criticism.
- Finds inspiration in the success of others.
Introduce the concept of a growth mindset. Give examples of growth mindset thoughts and behaviors.
Your Brain is Amazing! (Neuroplasticity)
Did you know your brain can actually change and grow?
It's like a muscle – the more you use it and challenge it, the stronger it gets! This amazing ability is called neuroplasticity.
Briefly explain neuroplasticity. Use simple terms to show how the brain can change and grow.
Mindset in Action! (Role Play)
Now, let's see these mindsets in real-life situations!
We'll use Mindset Scenario Cards to practice identifying and transforming mindsets.
Transition to the activity. Explain that students will work in small groups to read scenarios and decide if it's a fixed or growth mindset, then reframe fixed ones.
Reflect and Grow!
Thinking about what we discussed:
1. Can you think of a time you had a 'fixed mindset' thought?
2. How could you reframe that into a 'growth mindset' thought?
3. What's one thing you'll try to do differently this week to foster a growth mindset?
Wrap up the activity and guide students to reflect on their own mindset.
Your Mindset is Your Power!
Remember, your mindset isn't set in stone. You have the power to choose growth!
Keep challenging yourself, learning from mistakes, and believing in your ability to improve.
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main takeaway: mindsets can change.
Discussion
Mindset Scenario Cards
Instructions: In small groups, read each scenario. Discuss whether the thought expressed shows a Fixed Mindset or a Growth Mindset. If it's a fixed mindset, work together to reframe it into a growth mindset statement. Be ready to share your reframed thoughts with the class!
Scenario 1: The Tough Math Problem
Student A: "Ugh, this math problem is impossible! I'm just not good at math. I should probably just give up."
Scenario 2: Learning a New Sport
Student B: "I keep messing up my serve in volleyball. I'll never be good at this, everyone else is so much better than me."
Scenario 3: Getting a B on a Test
Student C: "I got a B on that test, even after I studied. I guess I'm just not smart enough for this subject."
Scenario 4: Presenting in Class
Student D: "I'm so nervous about giving this presentation. What if I make a mistake and everyone laughs? I'd rather just not try."
Scenario 5: Trying a New Hobby
Student E: "I tried drawing, but my pictures look terrible compared to the ones online. I should just stick to things I'm already good at."
Scenario 6: Receiving Feedback
Student F: "My teacher said I need to revise my essay. They probably think I'm a bad writer. It's just discouraging."
Worksheet
Mindset Matters Worksheet
Part 1: Your Mindset Check-in
Instructions: Read each statement and circle the number that best describes how much you agree. (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)
-
My intelligence is something very basic about me that I can't change much.
1 2 3 4 5 -
I can always change who I am.
1 2 3 4 5 -
No matter how much effort I put in, my fundamental abilities will remain the same.
1 2 3 4 5 -
I like my work best when it's challenging and makes me think.
1 2 3 4 5 -
If I fail at something, it means I'm not good at it.
1 2 3 4 5 -
I love learning new things, even if they are difficult at first.
1 2 3 4 5 -
Feedback from others is usually a sign that I've done something wrong.
1 2 3 4 5 -
I can always improve my skills and talents if I work hard.
1 2 3 4 5
Part 2: Reframing Your Thoughts
Instructions: For each
Answer Key
Mindset Matters Worksheet Answer Key
Part 1: Your Mindset Check-in - Interpretation Guide
This section helps identify tendencies towards fixed or growth mindsets. Generally:
-
Fixed Mindset Statements (lower scores indicate agreement with a fixed mindset):
- Question 1: "My intelligence is something very basic about me that I can't change much."
- Question 3: "No matter how much effort I put in, my fundamental abilities will remain the same."
- Question 5: "If I fail at something, it means I'm not good at it."
- Question 7: "Feedback from others is usually a sign that I've done something wrong."
-
Growth Mindset Statements (higher scores indicate agreement with a growth mindset):
- Question 2: "I can always change who I am."
- Question 4: "I like my work best when it's challenging and makes me think."
- Question 6: "I love learning new things, even if they are difficult at first."
- Question 8: "I can always improve my skills and talents if I work hard."
-
General Interpretation:
- Mostly 1s and 2s on fixed mindset statements and 4s and 5s on growth mindset statements indicate a strong growth mindset.
- Mostly 4s and 5s on fixed mindset statements and 1s and 2s on growth mindset statements indicate a strong fixed mindset.
- Mixed scores suggest a blend of both mindsets.
Part 2: Reframing Your Thoughts - Suggested Answers
Here are some examples of how to reframe fixed mindset thoughts into growth mindset ones. Students' answers may vary but should demonstrate a similar understanding of the principles.
-
Fixed Mindset Thought: "I can't do this. It's too hard for me."
Growth Mindset Reframe: "This is challenging, but I can learn how to do it if I keep trying and ask for help." -
Fixed Mindset Thought: "I made a mistake, so I'm a failure."
Growth Mindset Reframe: "Mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve. I'll figure out what went wrong and try a different approach next time." -
Fixed Mindset Thought: "I'm not as smart as other students."
Growth Mindset Reframe: "Everyone has different strengths and learns at their own pace. I will focus on my own progress and what I can learn." -
Fixed Mindset Thought: "What's the point of practicing? I'm just not talented."
Growth Mindset Reframe: "Practice helps me get better and develop my skills. Effort and strategy are key to improving." -
Fixed Mindset Thought: "I'm afraid to try something new because I might not be good at it."
Growth Mindset Reframe: "Trying new things helps me grow, even if I'm not perfect at first. It's about the journey of learning."