Don’t raise kids to expect praise –raise them to expect that hard work pays off. This two session-class introduces parents to the Growth Mindset principle and how to use it to help their children excel. Psychologist, Carol Dweck, a Stanford University Professor and pioneering researcher in the field of motivation explains in her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, “In a fixed mindset students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, and their talents are fixed traits. They have a certain amount and that’s that.”
Dweck’s years of research show that students who have growth mindsets exhibit greater motivation in school, earn better grades, and score higher on tests.
How can teachers and parents encourage growth mindsets in their children? We learn that the best way is to praise efforts, not talent, at a young age. This particular class, Growth Mindset: Setting Your Kids up for Success is taught by Weber State University instructors and practicum coordinators, Melinda Russell-Stamp and Maria Parrilla de Kokal. Both of these instructors call children “Active little scientists.”
Russell-Stamp, a former school psychologist, heard Dweck present at a conference. Professor Dweck talked about how, after IQ tests, they’d tell students that their brains could change and grow if they worked hard. Russell-Stamp thought that was incredible.
“A growth mindset contributes to embracing challenges and being more receptive to feedback. These qualities contribute to success in school, sports and work. Students with a “fixed” mindset believe that people are born with a certain amount of intelligence or talent that cannot be changed, “ Dweck tells us.
Students ranging from elementary to college can be taught to develop a growth mindset in school and change their thinking to understanding they are capable of more.
If you are interested in registering for Growth Mindset: Setting your Kids up for Success taught at Weber State University please call the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning @ 801-626-6600
Classes will be held on Nov. 5th an 19th from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. 3921 Central Campus Dr. Stewart Library, Rm 138 Ogden, Utah
