What's Your Brain's Vibe?

Think about a time you faced a really tough challenge, like a difficult exam, a new skill you tried to learn, or a personal goal.

1. How did you initially feel about the challenge? (e.g., excited, nervous, frustrated, determined)





2. What thoughts went through your mind when it got really hard?










3. How did you respond to those thoughts and feelings? Did you keep trying, ask for help, or feel like giving up?

Teacher Script: Your Mindset Matters!

Warm-Up: What's Your Brain's Vibe? (5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! To kick things off today, I want you to take a moment and reflect. I've handed out a short warm-up activity called What's Your Brain's Vibe?. Think about a time you faced a really tough challenge – maybe a difficult class, learning a new sport, or even dealing with a personal setback. How did you feel? What thoughts went through your mind when it got hard? And most importantly, how did you respond? Take about 3-4 minutes to jot down your honest thoughts on the sheet.











"

(Allow students time to write. After a few minutes, invite a couple of volunteers to share briefly, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers, just observations of their initial responses to challenges.)

"Thank you for sharing. It's really interesting to hear how different people approach difficulties. Today, we're going to explore a concept that profoundly impacts how we experience and overcome these challenges: our mindset."

Introduction to Growth Mindset (10 minutes) - Your Mindset Matters! Slide Deck (Slides 1-4)

(Display Slide 1: "Your Mindset Matters!")

"As you can see, our lesson today is titled 'Your Mindset Matters!' This isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a fundamental truth. Your mindset—the way you think about your abilities and intelligence—can be one of the most powerful tools you possess for success, especially here at university."

(Display Slide 2: "Fixed vs. Growth Mindset")

"Psychologist Carol Dweck introduced the concepts of two primary mindsets: fixed mindset and growth mindset. Let's break them down. A fixed mindset is the belief that your basic abilities, your intelligence, your talents, are just fixed traits. You have a certain amount, and that's it. People with a fixed mindset often try to prove their intelligence or talent rather than develop it. They might avoid challenges because they fear failure will expose a lack of ability, and they might give up easily when things get tough. They see effort as a sign of weakness, believing if you're truly smart, you shouldn't have to work hard."

"On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that your most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, they persist in the face of setbacks, they see effort as a path to mastery, and they learn from criticism. They see failure not as a reflection of their intelligence, but as an opportunity to grow."

"Which one sounds more familiar to you, or perhaps, which one would you like to cultivate more?"

(Pause for a brief moment to allow students to consider.)

(Display Slide 3: "The Power of 'Yet'")

"To help us understand this more deeply, I want to show you a short video. It brilliantly illustrates the power of shifting our perspective, particularly with what Dr. Dweck calls 'the power of yet.'"

(Play the video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/wh0_hWnScl0?si=J2JdYJcW_FjJ_RjI (approx. 3-5 minutes))

(Display Slide 4: "Impact on Learning and Life")

"That video really highlights the core message. Think about the impact these mindsets have. A fixed mindset can lead to fear of failure, limited effort, and stagnation. But a growth mindset? That fosters resilience, continuous improvement, a genuine love of learning, and ultimately, higher achievement. It opens you up to new experiences and opportunities. As university students, this distinction is incredibly important for navigating your coursework, research, and future careers."

Reading & Discussion: The Power of 'Yet' (15 minutes)

"Now, let's delve a bit deeper into this concept. I'm handing out a reading titled The Power of 'Yet' Reading. Please take about 5-7 minutes to read it silently. As you read, think about how the examples resonate with your own experiences or observations.











"

(Distribute the reading and allow silent reading time.)

"Alright, let's discuss! I have some prompts here for our Mindset Discussion."

(Lead a discussion using prompts from the Mindset Discussion material. Encourage students to share their insights, connect to the reading, and relate it to university life.)

Activity: Growth Mindset Challenge (15 minutes)

"Excellent discussion, everyone! Now, it's time to put these ideas into action. I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive instructions for our Growth Mindset Challenge Activity. This challenge is designed to be a bit tricky, and the goal isn't necessarily to 'solve' it perfectly, but to observe how your group approaches the problem. Focus on collaboration, persistence, and how you communicate when facing difficulties. I'll be circulating to observe and offer guidance if needed."

(Divide students into groups, distribute activity materials, and explain the rules. Circulate and observe, prompting groups with questions that encourage growth mindset thinking.)

Worksheet & Game: Applying the Mindset (10 minutes)

"Fantastic effort on that challenge! Let's bring it back together. Now, individually, I'd like you to complete the Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet. This is your chance to connect today's concepts to your personal experiences and set some intentions for fostering a growth mindset.











"

(Distribute worksheets. While students are working, prepare for the game.)

"To wrap up this section and reinforce our learning, let's play a quick Mindset Shift Game. This game will help us practice reframing fixed mindset statements into growth mindset ones."

(Explain and facilitate the Mindset Shift Game.)

Assessment & Project Introduction (5 minutes)

"You've all engaged really well with today's topic. To assess your understanding and give you an opportunity to apply these concepts in a larger context, we have a couple of upcoming items. First, there will be a short Growth Mindset Check-In Quiz to gauge your grasp of the core concepts, and a more comprehensive Growth Mindset Comprehensive Test covering all the material. You can review the Quiz and Test Answer Key to prepare. Also, I'm introducing the Growth Mindset Application Project today, which will allow you to explore a personal application of these ideas. You'll find all the details in the project guide, along with the Growth Mindset Project Rubric which outlines the expectations."

(Briefly show or explain where students can find these materials if they are online, or distribute printouts if applicable.)

Cool-Down: One Big Idea (5 minutes)

"To conclude our session, I'd like to ask you to complete our One Big Idea Cool Down. On this slip, please write down one significant idea or takeaway from today's lesson that resonated with you or that you plan to apply. This helps me understand what stuck with you, and it helps you consolidate your learning."

(Distribute cool-down slips, collect them as students leave.)

"Thank you all for your active participation today! I encourage you to keep thinking about your mindset and how you can nurture a growth mindset in your daily lives. Have a great rest of your day!"

The Power of 'Yet': Embracing the Growth Mindset

Imagine two students faced with a challenging calculus problem. Student A sighs, thinking, "I'm just not a math person." They try once, get stuck, and quickly give up, confirming their belief that they lack the inherent ability. Student B, on the other hand, frowns in concentration, muttering, "I can't solve this yet." They try a different approach, consult their notes, or seek help, believing that with effort, they can eventually understand it.

This simple difference in internal dialogue highlights the profound impact of mindset, a concept popularized by Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck. Dweck's research distinguishes between two core beliefs about our abilities: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

Fixed Mindset: The Belief in Static Traits

A fixed mindset is the belief that our intelligence, talents, and even personality traits are largely set in stone. If you have a fixed mindset, you might believe you're either inherently good at something or you're not. Challenges are often avoided because they pose a threat to your perceived intelligence; if you try and fail, it might mean you're not smart enough. Effort is often seen as a sign of low ability—if you're truly intelligent, things should come easily. Criticism can be taken as a personal attack, and the success of others can feel threatening.

In a university setting, a student with a fixed mindset might:

• Avoid challenging courses or projects.
• Give up quickly when faced with difficult material.
• Feel devastated by a low grade, believing it confirms their lack of intelligence.
• Focus on looking smart rather than on truly learning.

Growth Mindset: The Power of Development

A growth mindset, by contrast, is the belief that your abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through dedication and hard work. While people may differ in their initial aptitudes, these can be grown and improved through effort, good strategies, and mentorship. For those with a growth mindset:

• Challenges are embraced: They are seen as opportunities to learn and grow, not as obstacles to avoid.
• Effort is essential: Hard work is not a sign of weakness, but the path to mastery and improvement.
• Failure is informative: Mistakes are valuable feedback, providing insights into what needs to be changed or improved.
• Feedback is welcomed: Constructive criticism is a gift that helps them get better.
• The success of others is inspiring: It provides a blueprint for what is possible and how they might achieve similar feats.

Neuroscientific research supports the growth mindset through the concept of neuroplasticity. This refers to the brain's incredible ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Every time you learn something new, practice a skill, or overcome a challenge, your brain physically changes, becoming stronger and more efficient. This means your brain literally grows with effort!

Cultivating Your Growth Mindset in University

For university students, adopting a growth mindset is not just a feel-good philosophy; it's a practical tool for academic and personal success. Here are some ways to cultivate it:

1. Recognize your fixed mindset trigger thoughts: When you hear yourself thinking, "I can't do this," or "I'm not smart enough," pause and identify it as a fixed mindset thought.
2. Add "yet" to your vocabulary: Transform "I can't do this" into "I can't do this yet." This simple word acknowledges your current state while opening the door to future possibility and growth.
3. Embrace challenging courses: See them as opportunities to expand your knowledge and develop new skills, rather than tests of your existing intelligence.
4. Focus on the process, not just the outcome: Celebrate the effort you put in, the strategies you try, and the learning journey itself, not just the final grade.
5. Seek and learn from feedback: View feedback from professors or peers not as judgment, but as valuable information to guide your improvement.
6. Redefine failure as a learning opportunity: Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, ask, "What can I learn from this? What will I do differently next time?"
7. Surround yourself with growth-oriented individuals: Engage with peers and mentors who inspire you to grow and support your learning journey.

Your university years are a prime time for intellectual and personal development. By consciously choosing a growth mindset, you unlock your potential to not only succeed academically but also to become a lifelong learner capable of navigating any challenge life throws your way. The journey might be difficult, but remember, every "I can't do it yet" is a step towards "I can!"

Mindset Discussion

Take turns discussing the following questions in your groups, or as a whole class:

1. After reading "The Power of Yet," what was one new idea or insight that resonated with you the most? Why?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Can you recall a specific instance in your academic journey (or personal life) where you experienced either a fixed mindset or a growth mindset? Describe the situation and the outcome.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. The reading mentions neuroplasticity. How does understanding that your brain can physically change impact your view of learning and your potential?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What are some common fixed mindset statements you hear from yourself or others (e.g., "I'm just not good at X," "There's no point in trying harder")? How could you reframe these using growth mindset language?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. How do you think cultivating a growth mindset could specifically help you overcome challenges in your university courses or future career?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one concrete step you can take this week to practice or apply a growth mindset in your daily life?

Growth Mindset Challenge Activity: The Marshmallow Tower

Objective: To work collaboratively on a challenging, open-ended problem, observing and practicing growth mindset principles in action.

Time: 15 minutes

Materials per Group:

• 20 pieces of spaghetti (uncooked)
• 1 yard of string
• 1 yard of masking tape
• 1 large marshmallow

Instructions:

1. Form Groups: You will work in small groups of 3-4 students.

2. The Challenge: Your goal is to build the tallest freestanding structure possible using only the provided materials. The marshmallow must be at the very top of the structure. The structure must be able to stand on its own for at least 5 seconds after the marshmallow is placed.

3. Time Limit: You have 15 minutes to complete the challenge.

4. Growth Mindset Focus: As you work, pay attention to:

   • How your group handles setbacks: What happens if your tower collapses? Do you get frustrated or analyze what went wrong and try a new approach?
   • Communication: Are you listening to each other's ideas? Are you encouraging each other?
   • Problem-solving strategies: Are you experimenting? Are you willing to pivot if an idea isn't working?
   • The Power of "Yet": If something isn't working, how do you talk about it? (e.g., "This isn't stable yet" instead of "This won't work.")

5. Reflection (after the activity): We will discuss as a class:

   • What strategies did your group use?
   • What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them (or try to)?
   • How did your group's mindset impact your approach to the challenge?

Growth Mindset Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on your own mindset and apply the concepts we discussed today.

Part 1: Identifying Your Mindset

1. Think about a recent academic challenge you faced (e.g., a difficult assignment, a confusing lecture, a low grade). Briefly describe the situation.
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. When you encountered this challenge, what were your initial thoughts and feelings? Did you hear any fixed mindset statements in your head (e.g., "I'm not smart enough for this," "I'll never get it")? If so, what were they?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How did you respond to those thoughts and feelings? What action did you take (or not take)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Shifting to a Growth Mindset

4. Consider the same challenge. If you were to approach it with a pure growth mindset, how might your thoughts and feelings be different?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Using the "Power of Yet," how could you reframe any fixed mindset thoughts you identified in question 2? Provide the original thought and its growth mindset reframe.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What specific actions could you take to demonstrate a growth mindset when facing similar challenges in the future?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Personal Growth Plan

7. Identify one specific academic or personal goal you have for the next month. (e.g., improve a grade in a certain subject, learn a new skill, overcome a particular fear).
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. How might a fixed mindset hinder you from achieving this goal? Be specific.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

9. What growth mindset strategies will you employ to work towards this goal? List at least two concrete strategies.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

10. What resources or support (e.g., professors, tutors, peers, online tutorials) could you utilize to help you maintain a growth mindset and achieve your goal?

Mindset Shift Game: Fixed to Growth!

Objective: To quickly practice identifying fixed mindset statements and transforming them into growth mindset affirmations.

Time: 5-7 minutes

Instructions:

1. Teacher reads a Fixed Mindset Statement: The teacher will read aloud a statement that reflects a fixed mindset.

2. Students call out a Growth Mindset Reframe: As quickly as possible, students (either individually or in small groups) should call out a growth mindset reframe for that statement. The goal is to be positive, proactive, and focused on learning and improvement.

3. Teacher provides feedback/confirms: The teacher will acknowledge correct or insightful reframes.

Example:

• Teacher: "I'm just not a morning person, I'll never be productive early."
• Student (or group): "I can learn strategies to improve my morning productivity over time!"

Fixed Mindset Statements to Use:

• "I'm terrible at public speaking. I'll definitely mess up this presentation."
• "This new software is too complicated. I'm never going to understand it."
• "I got a bad grade on that exam. I guess I'm just not smart enough for this major."
• "I'm not creative. I have no good ideas for this project."
• "Why bother asking questions? Everyone else seems to get it, and I don't want to look stupid."
• "I've always struggled with [subject]. It's just not for me."
• "I made a mistake. I'm so embarrassed and want to give up."
• "That person is naturally talented. I could never achieve what they have."
• "Feedback on my work means I'm not good enough."
• "This is too hard. I should just stick to what I already know."

Quiz and Test Answer Key

Growth Mindset Check-In Quiz Answer Key

Question 1: Which of the following statements best describes a fixed mindset?

• Correct Answer: My abilities are set and cannot be changed.
• Explanation: A fixed mindset is characterized by the belief that intelligence and abilities are inherent, static traits that cannot be significantly altered. Individuals with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges and see effort as a sign of low ability, fearing failure will expose their limitations.

Question 2: A student with a growth mindset would most likely say:

• Correct Answer: "I didn't get it right yet, but I can learn from my mistakes."
• Explanation: This statement perfectly encapsulates the "Power of Yet" and a growth mindset. It acknowledges current limitations but emphasizes the potential for improvement through learning and persistence.

Question 3: Explain the concept of 'neuroplasticity' and how it supports the idea of a growth mindset.

• Correct Answer: Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change and reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. It supports the growth mindset by demonstrating that intelligence and abilities are not fixed but can be developed and improved through learning and effort, literally by strengthening existing brain connections and creating new ones. This means that with practice and learning, our brains become more capable.
• Explanation: This answer defines neuroplasticity and clearly links it to the growth mindset by explaining how brain development aligns with the idea of malleable intelligence.

Growth Mindset Comprehensive Test Answer Key

Question 1: Which of the following is a characteristic of a fixed mindset?

• Correct Answer: Avoiding effort
• Explanation: People with a fixed mindset often avoid putting in effort, believing that if they are truly capable, things should come easily. Effort is seen as a sign of weakness or lack of innate talent.

Question 2: The "Power of Yet" concept suggests that:

• Correct Answer: Current limitations are not permanent and can be overcome with effort.
• Explanation: The "Power of Yet" is a core tenet of the growth mindset, implying that while you may not be able to do something now, with learning, effort, and persistence, you will be able to in the future.

Question 3: Describe a personal experience where you, or someone you know, demonstrated either a fixed or growth mindset. What was the situation, and what was the outcome based on that mindset?

• Correct Answer: Responses will vary, but should clearly illustrate either a fixed (e.g., giving up, avoiding challenges, feeling defeated by failure) or growth (e.g., persisting, seeking help, learning from mistakes, embracing challenges) mindset in a specific context and discuss the resulting outcome. For example:
  • Fixed Mindset Example: "I once gave up on learning to code after a few frustrating attempts because I thought I wasn't naturally good at it. As a result, I missed out on a valuable skill for my field." (Outcome: Stagnation, missed opportunity)
  • Growth Mindset Example: "When I struggled with a difficult statistics course, I sought help from my professor, joined a study group, and practiced daily. Even though it was hard, my grade improved significantly, and I gained confidence in my ability to tackle challenging subjects." (Outcome: Improvement, increased confidence, skill development)
• Explanation: The key is to provide a specific situation, identify the mindset demonstrated, and explain how that mindset led to a particular outcome.

Question 4: When facing a difficult academic problem, a student with a growth mindset would most likely:

• Correct Answer: Try a different approach or seek help.
• Explanation: A growth mindset encourages persistence, experimentation, and utilizing resources like asking for help or trying new strategies when encountering difficulties, rather than giving up.

Question 5: List three specific strategies you can use to cultivate a growth mindset in your daily life as a university student.

• Correct Answer: Any three of the following (or similar reasonable strategies):
  1. Recognize and challenge fixed mindset thoughts (e.g., reframe "I can't do it" to "I can't do it yet").
  2. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth.
  3. Value effort and focus on the process of learning, not just the outcome.
  4. Actively seek and learn from feedback, viewing it as constructive input.
  5. Redefine failure as a learning opportunity, analyzing what went wrong and how to improve.
  6. Set realistic, challenging goals and celebrate small wins along the way.
• Explanation: These strategies directly address practical ways to develop and maintain a growth mindset, moving from awareness to action.

Question 6: Neuroplasticity is important for understanding the growth mindset because it shows that:

• Correct Answer: Learning new things causes physical changes and growth in the brain.
• Explanation: Neuroplasticity provides the scientific basis for the growth mindset, demonstrating that the brain is not static but dynamically adapts and strengthens with new experiences and learning, validating the idea that intelligence can be developed.

Growth Mindset Application Project: My Learning Journey

Objective: To apply growth mindset principles to a real-world academic or personal challenge, reflecting on the process and outcomes.

Due Date: [Insert Date Here]

Project Overview:
This project invites you to identify a specific area in your academic life (a challenging course, a skill you want to develop, a habit you want to change) or a personal goal (learning a new language, mastering an instrument, improving a fitness goal) where you can intentionally apply a growth mindset. You will document your journey, strategies, setbacks, and successes over a period of [e.g., 2-4 weeks].

Project Components:

1. Project Proposal (10% of grade) - Due: [Insert Date Here]

   • Goal Identification: Clearly state one specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goal related to an academic or personal challenge where you want to apply a growth mindset.
   • Fixed Mindset Barriers: Describe potential fixed mindset thoughts or beliefs that might hinder your progress toward this goal.
   • Growth Mindset Strategies: Outline at least three specific growth mindset strategies you plan to use (e.g., "Power of Yet" reframing, seeking feedback, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, focusing on effort). How will you implement them?
   • Success Metrics: How will you measure your progress and determine if you are successfully applying a growth mindset and moving towards your goal?
   • Format: 1-page written proposal.

2. Weekly Journal/Log (40% of grade) - Weekly Submissions or Final Compilation

   • Keep a weekly journal or log of your experiences throughout the project period.
   • For each week, reflect on:
     • Progress: What steps did you take towards your goal?
     • Mindset Moments: When did you notice fixed mindset thoughts emerging? How did you actively reframe them using growth mindset principles?
     • Challenges & Setbacks: What difficulties did you encounter? How did you respond? (Did you persist, seek help, try new strategies?)
     • Effort & Strategies: What effort did you put in? Were your strategies effective? Did you adjust them?
     • Learning & Growth: What did you learn from your successes and setbacks? How did your brain "grow" this week?
   • Format: Digital document (e.g., Google Doc, Word document) or handwritten journal, approximately 250-400 words per week.

3. Final Reflection Paper (40% of grade) - Due: [Insert Date Here]

   • Summary of Journey: Briefly summarize your project experience, including your initial goal and the main challenges and breakthroughs.
   • Mindset Shift Analysis: Analyze how your mindset evolved throughout the project. Provide specific examples from your journal to illustrate your shift (or lack thereof) from a fixed to a growth mindset.
   • Impact on Goal: Discuss how applying (or struggling to apply) a growth mindset affected your progress toward your goal. Did it make a difference? How?
   • Lessons Learned: What are the most important lessons you learned about yourself, learning, and the growth mindset through this project?
   • Future Application: How will you continue to apply growth mindset principles in your academic career and beyond?
   • Format: 3-5 page essay, double-spaced.

4. Presentation/Showcase (10% of grade) - During Final Class Session

   • Prepare a short (3-5 minute) presentation to share your project experience with the class.
   • Highlight your goal, key growth mindset strategies employed, one significant challenge and how you navigated it, and your main takeaway.
   • Format: Informal presentation, can use 1-2 slides as visual aids (optional). The focus is on sharing your learning and insights.

Submission Guidelines:

• All written components should be submitted via [LMS Name/Email/Platform].
• Ensure all submissions are clearly labeled with your name and the component title.
• Adhere to academic integrity standards; all work must be your own.

This project is an opportunity to actively engage with the growth mindset and experience its transformative power firsthand. Embrace the challenge, learn from the process, and enjoy your journey of growth!

Growth Mindset Project Rubric

Student Name: _________________________________

Project Title: _________________________________

Comments:

One Big Idea Cool Down

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

My One Big Idea:

What is one significant idea, concept, or takeaway from today's lesson on growth mindset that resonated with you the most, or that you plan to apply in your academic or personal life?

Why is this idea important to you?