Growth Mindset Plan

Every journey or adventure should leave a reflection and learning. Since I started my learning in this Master's in Education, the level of learning and evolution in my personal and professional growth has been immeasurable. I couldn't quantify it, as probably supported by that study from Case Western Reserve University. However, I believe that without a growth mindset, I wouldn't have overcome the countless barriers and obstacles with such success. My reflections on the path taken and its relationship with my growth thinking demonstrate a strong bond that has ensured I've reached where I am today. I invite you to read my latest publication on this.

On the other hand, based on this experience, I can conclude that the best way to help my students develop a growth mindset is not by avoiding failures or mistakes. The secret is in learning from mistakes and believing that second chances exist. Offering them these second chances by providing support, identifying their weaknesses, and motivating them to learn with different techniques and resources is crucial.

I believe that one of the fundamental factors to have a greater impact on students' growth mindset is modeling. Students will feel more engaged and motivated if the teacher teaches by example. The powerful message of 'yet' is a good example. Patience and tolerance, as well as conveying the assurance that goals can be achieved, each at their own pace, and that teachers are there to facilitate the journey, are fundamental.

Another powerful message is accepting constructive criticism. The teacher must communicate what the mistakes and failures were, in a way that teaches that this is an opportunity to identify where students can improve without feeling like failures. The message should always be focused on showing the path to success, where there are stumbles and failures, but the horizon should not be lost.

Another example is poor grades. Students should not feel belittled or disqualified by a number or letter. Teachers should value effort and progress more than a grade. This way, the student can appreciate their evolution more. Students who make more effort should be rewarded in some way using strategies that reward them for it.

Another powerful message is 'He who perseveres conquers.' This means that even if you fail many times, if you keep practicing and trying, you will succeed. That should be the message for students who have difficulty reaching the goal. Make them understand that if they keep going, they will succeed, and they shouldn't give up; the important thing is to persevere until they achieve it.

In this sense, it is important to teach students that it is not about always trying the same thing; it is about identifying the mistakes, weaknesses, and difficulties to learn how to face and overcome them. I believe that when a student experiences what they are capable of through the acquisition of knowledge, that sensation will never leave them. For example, when a student learns to read and is aware of what they can do and understand by reading, they never stop trying to improve that skill. Hence the importance of teachers showing students that: