Carol Dweck’s TED talk was a refreshing and optimistic view on the view of how students are challenged and develop in the classroom, specifically in the face of challenge. In most cases when students are challenged and fail they spiral into a negative thought pattern. They associate themselves with failure and change their opinion of themselves and their ability.

With the introduction of the “Growth Mindset” and telling students “not yet”, it can inspire children to not to just pass or receive a passing grade. It teaches students they are on a trajectory of growth and to maintain a positive outlook.

I agree with Dweck’s thoughts and ideas of rewarding students, and how it should be used carefully. Rewarding students inappropriately can actually be detrimental. Properly rewarding students and teaching them a “Growth Mindset” can set a student on a path of greater growth versus those students who fail and fall into the label of “failure”.

The power of “yet” described by Dweck is a powerful idea that has already been tested and proven in studies in American schools. And one of the more exciting facts about the “yet” theory and “Growth Mindset” is the fact they are applicable to a wide variety of scenarios and environments.

The power of “yet” and a “Growth Mindset” is something I wish I was introduced to earlier in my academic journey and years of growth.

 

Brendan Donohue

 

 

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