heggart-developing-growth-mindset-2Try it out for a dinner table discussion.  The question, “Who had a fabulous struggle today?” is a great example of what educators call a growth-mindset prompt. Students and adults with a growth mindset believe that humans have almost limitless potential.  Therefore, the more effort they put forth, and the more willing they are to overcome mistakes and obstacles, the brighter and more capable they will become.  People with a fixed mindset view people as being innately born with a fix potential.  If you are smart, you are lucky, and vice versa.  Therefore, mistakes are perceived as failures, rather than learning opportunities.  Parents and teachers can build self-concept and self-esteem by encouraging one another to embody a growth mindset.

Read: Developing a Growth Mindset in Teachers and Staff, by Keith Heggart