How can teachers encourage a growth mindset in students?

Praising effort and resilience instead of just intelligence is key to fostering a growth mindset in students. This approach encourages learners to appreciate the process of learning itself, rather than solely focusing on innate abilities or outcomes. When educators acknowledge hard work, persistence, and the challenges students have overcome, it reinforces the idea that skills and intelligence can develop over time with dedication and practice.

This promotes a culture where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them, which is essential for long-term educational growth. It helps students understand that their abilities are not fixed and that they can improve through effort and determination. Furthermore, such an environment encourages collaboration and support among peers, as students see the value in each other’s growth journeys rather than merely competing against one another.