Growth Mindset
With contributions from: Hollie Leach
Ever heard someone say, “I’m just not good at that” or “I’ll never get it”? Chances are, they’ve got what’s called a fixed mindset. But here’s the good news: you can help your students flip the script with a growth mindset!
Let’s break it down, and get you prepped to inspire some serious growth in your sessions.
What is a Growth Mindset?
At its core, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and skills can improve with effort and practice. In contrast, a fixed mindset believes you’re stuck with the abilities you’re born with (how boring!).
Science backs this up too:
Your brain is like a muscle. With the right effort, it grows stronger.
Neurons (brain cells) connect and strengthen when we learn new things or practise a skill.
Struggling isn’t a failure - it’s proof your brain is working hard to grow!
So, why does this matter? Well, when students believe they can improve, they’re more likely to stick at challenges, put in the work, and ultimately achieve more. Magic, isn’t it?
Why your words matter
As a tutor, you’re basically the narrator of your students’ success stories. And the way you speak to them can nudge them towards a growth mindset.
Here’s a quick guide to turning your feedback into fuel for growth:
As a tutor, you’re basically the narrator of your students’ success stories. And the way you speak to them can nudge them towards a growth mindset.
Here’s a quick guide to turning your feedback into fuel for growth:
Instead of: “You’re so smart!”
Try: “You worked really hard on that!”
(Why? Praising effort encourages students to focus on the process, not just the result.)Instead of: “Don’t worry, not everyone’s good at maths.”
Try: “Maths is tricky, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.”
(Why? Struggle is part of learning - it’s normal!)Instead of: “You’re nearly there!”
Try: “The goal isn’t to get it perfect immediately. Every try makes you better!”
(Why? It keeps the focus on progress rather than perfection.)
How to Normalise Struggle
Let’s be real: learning is hard. But that’s okay! Struggle is where the magic happens. To help your students see it this way:
Share your own struggles - tell them about that time you botched something before nailing it.
Celebrate mistakes as part of the process. Got a wrong answer? Brilliant - it’s a learning moment.
Use challenges as opportunities. Set tasks just beyond their comfort zone, so they push themselves without feeling overwhelmed.
Setting Goals That Grow
We all know the importance of goals. But here’s the catch: not all goals are created equal. Setting the right kind of targets can inspire growth rather than frustration.
Tailored goals: Make them realistic for each student. What’s a stretch for one might be a warm-up for another.
Short-term wins: Focus on bite-sized achievements to keep the motivation rolling.
The Power of “Yet”: When students say, “I can’t do this,” add “…yet” to the end. Watch their mindset shift!
Real-Life Growth Mindset Wins
You’re not alone in trying to instil a growth mindset. Schools and teachers around the world are seeing real success. One school found massive improvements after teachers embraced growth mindset practices. It’s proof that the way we talk to and encourage students really matters.
As a tutor, you’re in the perfect position to champion these ideas in your sessions. Your feedback and encouragement could be the nudge a student needs to keep going when things feel tough.
A Challenge For You!
Before your next session, have a think about how you can weave growth mindset into your feedback. Maybe it’s praising effort over results or sharing a time you found something tricky but stuck with it.
And don’t forget - your growth mindset matters too. If you’re trying new strategies, keep in mind that every wobble is just part of the process. You’ve got this.