Growth Mindset and Neuroplasticity

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Study Skill 5.1
Neuroplasticity

Introduction

True or False? Some people are just good at math (or drawing or languages) and others are not.

True or False? With enough practice, anyone can learn just about anything.

These questions represent two different beliefs about mindsets. The first, that some people are just good at math and others are not, represents a fixed mindset. The second, that anyone can learn just about anything with enough practice, represents a growth mindset. While we all have times when we slip into fixed mindset, the truth is that the brain can continue to grow stronger, and learn (and master) new skills throughout your life. This is the basis for Dr. Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory. Understanding growth mindset can help students (and adults) lead more successful lives.


This research is based on better understanding the human brain. Neuroscience, the study of the brain, has revealed that our brains are not fixed. In fact, all through your lives, your brain is  adapting and learning. In fact, even as you read through this module, your brain is making some new connections.

Experiences play a powerful role in how your brain develops and changes. When you wrestle with challenges, make new connections, or test a different approach, these are all powerful opportunities for your brain to learn. The neuroscience term for when our brains build these new connections is neuroplasticity.  

This brings us back to Dr. Dweck's work. Dweck says when we look at challenges as opportunities to learn we are practicing a growth mindset. Whether we are working on math, drawing, or languages, this mindset makes us more ready to learn new skills.

Watch

  • Infobundl: “Growth Mindset Video” (YT 2:31)

  • Sentis: “Neuroplasticity” (YT 2:03)

Visit

Key Ideas

  • Mindset: A set of beliefs or a way of looking at the world.
  • Neuroplasticity: The ways our brains can reorganize and form new connections when we learn and experience new things. 
  • The brain is constantly adapting and learning. 
  • Challenges are our often our best opportunities to learn and grow. Set stretch goals that require effort. 
  • Mistakes (and failure) are a common and necessary part of the learning process.
  • With practice, everyone can learn new things.

Apply

  • Look for examples of growth mindset and fixed mindset in your own life. One of the best ways to tell which type of mindset you are using is to pay attention when you come to challenge. People in the fixed mindset zone often view challenges or mistakes as a sign that they just can't learn this. People in the growth mindset zone, acknowledge their imperfections and focus on ways to grow and learn.
  • When you come to challenge, try to apply a growth mindset to it. Challenges are a springboard for growth and for stretching to new abilities.
  • Learn something new this week. (Read a book you wouldn’t normally read, take a dance class, try a new sport, or ask for a more challenging problem.)
  • Next time you make a mistake, tell yourself, “That’s part of the learning process.” and try again.
  • Tell a friend (or family member) what you learned about growth mindset or neuroplasticity.

Quick Check

A growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure not as evidence of unintelligence but as a springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.

Check Answer

Quick Check

Learners with a fixed mindset generally acknowledge and embrace imperfections. 

Check Answer