Mindset and Learning Theory
How beliefs about learning shape development: the fixed and growth mindsets described by Dweck, the role of praise and self-efficacy, learning styles, and Willingham view that lessons should not be matched to a fixed learning style.
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How we think about learning 🧠
The way a learner thinks about their own ability can change how well they learn. The psychologist Dweck described two mindsets, and the psychologist Willingham studied how people really learn best. This module looks at their ideas and what they mean for students.
Key words 🔑
Learn these four terms before you study the two theories.
Two mindsets 🆚
Dweck described two very different ways of thinking about ability.
Grade 9 thinking 💡
A top answer evaluates a theory, giving a strength and a limitation. Praising a learner for effort rather than for being clever helps build a growth mindset. Willingham argued there is little evidence that matching lessons to a learning style improves results, which challenges a popular idea.
Match the mindset term 🔗
- fixed mindset
- growth mindset
- self-efficacy
- praise for effort
- believing your ability cannot change
- believing your ability can grow with effort
- a belief in your own ability to succeed
- the kind of praise that builds a growth mindset
Match the idea to the theory 🧩
- ability can grow with effort and practice
- there is little evidence for teaching to a learning style
- someone who learns best from words
- someone who learns best from pictures
- part of Dweck mindset theory
- part of Willingham learning theory
- a verbaliser
- a visualiser
What is a growth mindset? ❓
What is a growth mindset?
- The belief that your ability can grow with effort and practice.
- The belief that your ability is fixed and cannot change.
- A preference for learning from pictures.
Signs of a growth mindset ✅
Select the TWO signs of a growth mindset.
- Believing effort helps you improve.
- Seeing mistakes as a chance to learn.
- Avoiding hard tasks in case you fail.
- Giving up quickly when something is difficult.
A growth-mindset response 🪜
An interactive activity.
Summarise the ideas 📝
A person with a _____ mindset believes their ability cannot change, while a person with a _____ mindset believes ability can grow with effort. Praising a learner for _____ rather than for being clever builds the better mindset. A belief in your own ability to succeed is called _____. Willingham argued there is little evidence for teaching to a fixed learning _____.
Count the mindsets 🔢
An interactive activity.
Find the growth mindset 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Whose idea is it? 🧭
An interactive activity.
Explain the effect ✍️
An interactive activity.