Xq knowledge module no. 3 Discover the Science of Adolescent Learning How do teenagers learn and grow?

 
9
Intelligence is not fixed.
FACT 08

---

XQ Knowledge Module No. 3 The Science of Adolescent Learning
 
10
JO BOALER
Author and Professor of 
Mathematics Education,
Stanford Graduate School 
of Education
+ The beliefs students hold about themselves can 
change everything, even the way their brains work.
+ One of most important things anyone can do for 
mathematics learning is to believe in themselves.
+ No one is born with a math brain, and anyone can 
achieve at high levels through hard work.
+ If students can hold on to the belief that they can 
do well, and keep that belief even when people are 
giving them the opposite message, then they can 
achieve anything.
Developing a 
growth mindset.
The way we think about learning has a huge impact on how we 
acquire and retain knowledge. A student’s mindset, according to 
Carol S. Dweck, a psychologist at Stanford University and author 
of The New Psychology of Success, is critical to the capacity to 
develop strong learning identity. She defines mindset as a self-
theory, or a perception students hold about themselves. Students 
with a fixed mindset believe basic qualities like intelligence and 
talent can’t be changed—so they spend their time documenting 
rather than developing their own capabilities. 
Students with a growth mindset understand that intelligence 
and talents can be developed through perseverance and hard 
work. Thus, they are active, risk-taking learners committed to 
overcoming obstacles and striving for accomplishment.
“When you enter a mindset, you enter a new world. In one 
world (the world of fixed traits), success is about proving you’re 
smart or talented. Validating yourself. In the other (the world 
of changing qualities), it’s about stretching yourself to learn 
something new. Developing yourself,” says Dweck.
What if a teacher said, 
“You must have worked 
very hard,” instead 
of, “You’re so smart”? 
How might the way we 
validate effort affect 
how students approach 
their work?