Chapter 6

Why Your Mindset About Intelligence Matters

Introduction

• The chapter draws on Carol Dweck's research about mindsets, published in her book "Mindset" (2006).

• Personal anecdote about Joshua, an engineering major at LSU, reflecting a transition from a fixed to a growth mindset in chemistry.

Two Mindsets of Intelligence

• Fixed Mindset: Belief that intelligence is static; perceived as a set of intellectual cards that can’t be changed.

  • Individuals avoid challenges, give up easily, ignore constructive criticism, feel threatened by the success of others.

• Growth Mindset: Belief that intelligence can grow through effort and action; viewed as a process rather than a fixed state.

  • Individuals embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, view effort as essential to mastery, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in others’ successes.

Impact of Mindset on Performance

• Dweck (2006) emphasizes that beliefs about intelligence significantly affect one's performance.

• Fixed mindsets lead to decreased motivation and reliance on perceived natural ability.

• Growth mindsets are linked to increased motivation and academic success.

Illustrations of Mindset Power

Evidence Supporting Mindset

• Dweck's research references multiple peer-reviewed studies to support her findings on mindsets.

• David H. Uttal (1997) study focuses on the engaged attitudes of Asian mothers regarding their children's mathematical abilities compared to American mothers, highlighting cultural differences in mindset.

• Aguilar et al. (2014) intervention demonstrated that students respond positively to constructive criticism when it’s presented as a means for improvement.

Stereotypes and Beliefs About Math Ability

• Uttal's study revealed:

  • American mothers emphasize innate ability over effort compared to Asian mothers.

  • American children were more likely to adopt fixed mindsets, viewing math success as innate rather than earned.

• Errors are viewed negatively in fixed mindsets while growth mindsets see them as vital learning steps.

Personal Anecdote

• A teacher’s experience showing the negative impact of labeling gifted students; students may avoid challenges to maintain their 'smart' identity, resulting in low effort and engagement when faced with difficulties.

The Origins and Costs of a Fixed Mindset

Causes of a Fixed Mindset

• Educational experiences often categorize students into 'smart' or 'slow' groups, reinforcing fixed mindsets.

• Those labeled as 'gifted' may avoid risk-taking to preserve their identity while students labeled as 'slow' may internalize a lack of ability.

Acknowledging Potential

• It’s crucial to reaffirm that all students can succeed through metacognitive strategies, regardless of previous labeling.

• Labels do not equate to actual ability; effective learning strategies can change performance levels.

Case Studies in Growth

Adam’s Transformation

• Adam's story illustrates how adopting metacognitive strategies led him from failure to exceptional success in his analytical chemistry course.

• He shifted from a fixed mindset perspective regarding his performance to embracing growth and improving study habits, illustrating the impact of mindset.

Strategies for Changing Mindsets

Four Effective Strategies

1. Keep the Faith: Recall stories of people overcoming academic challenges.

2. Stand in Your Power: Reflect on personal challenges and how they were overcome to build confidence.

3. Learn Neurobiology: Understanding brain plasticity supports the idea that intelligence can be developed.

4. Start Easy, End Strong: Gradually build up from easier tasks to complex ones to foster confidence and avoid feelings of helplessness.

Take-Home Messages

• The general belief in a fixed mindset among students can lead to a false sense of their abilities based on grades and past performance.

• Evidence suggests that strategies for learning can greatly impact students’ capacities for improvement and success in their academic endeavors.

• Adopting a growth mindset is pivotal for resilience and achievement in learning.

Reflective Questions

• Consider whether your mindset is fixed or growth-oriented and how it impacts your beliefs about intelligence and learning.