"Growth" vs. "Fixed" Mindsets in Learning - Video Podcast

In this latest podcast video found in the iTunes store, students are the focus of a study determining whether intelligence (in terms of learning) changes (through growth) or merely stays the same (the state of being "fixed"). Students who feel that their intelligence is of a fixed nature, often times feel self-conscious about their intelligence - in other words, they worry about exposing the true identity of their intelligence. Students who believe that growth coincides with intelligence believe that their minds are always in a state of "development" (especially in terms of learning).

A workshop was developed (University of Stanford) to see if students could be taught that intelligence and growth are synonymous (one in the same). Based on the findings of the workshop (which was, in all actuality, a "study"), the students who received information (through lessons) concerning study skills and the growth mindset showed a great improvement in their grades. The other students (ones that only received the study skills lessons) showed no improvement in their grades. Essentially, the latter students weren't as motivated as their counterparts (for they were given no instruction on how to increase brainpower effectively).

I found this podcast video to be quite interesting, especially in the way that it addresses self-confidence issues - which are often times overlooked or ignored by educators. I think that, for the most part, teachers often times play a huge part in shaping the way a students might see themselves - especially in terms of success in a classroom environment. If anything, I would use this video to encourage my future students to never set limits for themselves, to include the goals and dreams they wish to achieve and fulfill. I feel that all teachers should go into their perspective fields with this fundamental understanding.