Growth Mindsets and Fixed Mindsets

Have you ever heard of these terms? They describe how some people can have a 'fixed' mindset about something e.g. maths - you are either born with a 'maths brain' or you aren't. You either have maths ability you don't.

Professors Carol Dweck and Jo Boaler are two leading researchers in this area. They have proven that anyone can learn maths (or any other learning area).

A 'growth' mindset means that you don't get discouraged if you cannot do something - you just cannot do it YET. With hard work and practise you will get there. Maths is like any other skill e.g. like playing a new sport... you have to learn the skills for it and practice, make mistakes and learn from them and keep trying.  You need to have skills of resilience and perseverance.

Talk with your child about the POWER OF YET!