Should you tell your kids they are smart or talented? Professor Carol Dweck answers this question and more, as she talks about her groundbreaking work on developing mindsets. She emphasizes the power of "yet" in helping students succeed in and out of the classroom. Carol Dweck is the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology and, by courtesy, at the Graduate School of Education. A leading expert in the field of motivation, her research has demonstrated the role of mindsets in students’ achievement and has shown how praise for intelligence can undermine motivation and learning. She has lectured to education, business and sports groups all over the world, and has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences. She has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, Nightline and 20/20. Her bestselling book Mindset has been widely acclaimed and translated into over 20 languages.
The video features a TED Talk by Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, discussing the concept of the "growth mindset" and its impact on learning and personal development. Here are the key points from the talk:
Key Points
The Power of "Yet": Dweck introduces the concept of the "power of yet," highlighting how a simple change in perspective can transform learning and growth. Instead of labeling students as failures, she suggests using "not yet" to indicate that they are on a learning journey.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset:
- Growth Mindset: Individuals with a growth mindset believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and learning from mistakes.
- Fixed Mindset: People with a fixed mindset view abilities as static and unchangeable, leading to avoidance of challenges and fear of failure.
Impact of Mindset on Behavior:
- Students with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, give up easily, and may resort to cheating to avoid failure.
- Those with a growth mindset embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and show resilience in the face of difficulties.
Brain Activity and Learning: Research shows that students with a growth mindset exhibit more brain activity when they make mistakes, indicating deeper processing and learning. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset show less engagement.
Praising Process Over Intelligence: Dweck emphasizes the importance of praising effort, strategies, and perseverance rather than innate intelligence. This approach encourages resilience and a love for learning.
Educational Examples: The talk provides examples of educators who successfully implemented growth mindset principles in their classrooms, leading to significant improvements in student performance and confidence.
Broader Implications: The growth mindset is not only beneficial for students but also for adults in various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships. It fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
Creating Growth Mindset Environments: Dweck calls for creating environments that nurture growth and development, advocating for education systems that emphasize "yet" and the potential for growth in all individuals.
Conclusion
Carol Dweck's talk underscores the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset. By focusing on "yet," individuals can overcome challenges, improve their abilities, and achieve greater success in learning and life.