Fail Forward

Having a growth mindset as opposed to a fixed mindset is important as a teacher, student, and person. With a growth mindset, just because you’re not there right now, doesn’t mean you can’t get there. There is no limit to how much you can learn and do, and sometimes it takes multiple trials. Intelligence is constantly developing as opposed to being static. “Yet” is a key word, a powerful word, that says there is always the opportunity for success in the future, even if the first time with a task did not lead to success. “Yet” means that second chances and failing forward are encouraged because success will come with time and effort after correcting errors.

Adopting a growth mindset changes the way you learn because you accept failure as part of the process. You will appreciate the process, not the outcome. You will embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and develop confidence and perseverance. Additionally, a growth mindset changes the connections in the brain to improve learning and the (e)quality of education. Not only does growth mindset change learning, but it also changes the view of feedback and grades. Feedback is viewed as an opportunity to improve, and grades are not as important as the process. With a growth mindset, students can get smarter without worrying about straight As as proof of their intelligence.

With a growth mindset, challenges are embraced, feedback is accepted, persistence is constant, and higher achievement is reached. This is opposite of the fixed mindset, in which challenges are avoided, negative feedback is ignored, and giving up is common. Clarissa Einck (2017) defines growth mindset as "the ability to believe that the most basic activities can be developed through hard work and dedication." Those who adopt a growth mindset understand that they have control over what they learn to change their own intelligence and build their skills. The crucial part of the growth mindset concept is believing in it. Just learning about it doesn’t do enough, and only truly believing it and “buying in” will take you far. Some teachers catch themselves in “false growth mindset” in which they praise only effort, tell students they can do anything, and blame the student’s mindset (Dweck, 2016). We want our students (and ourselves) to work hard and never give up, even in the face of failure. Growth mindset is what everyone needs as the backbone to reach their goals.

I have linked several resources that I have used or will use to work on growth mindset for myself and my students. In my room, I have growth mindset posters and started the school year with a growth mindset survey. I also have a growth mindset flyer to share with parents at open house so that the growth mindset can be encouraged at both school and home.

Carol Dweck on Edutopia "Recognizing and Overcoming False Growth Mindset"
Picture books to teach growth mindset
"4 Ways to Encourage Growth Mindset in the Classroom"
"You Can Grow Your Intelligence" (article for students)
Searching "growth mindset" on Teachers Pay Teachers will yield numerous results of ways to use growth mindset in the classroom from other teachers.
Growth mindset videos for students from Class Dojo
Mindset Kit for Teachers