Growth Mindset Through Picture Books: Home

          The growth mindset theory was established by the psychologist Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success and coauthor of numerous research articles on growth mindset.  In her writings, she asserts that a growth mindset is a belief that ability and intelligence can be developed.  On the other hand, a fixed mindset is the belief that ability and intelligence cannot be changed.  Some tendencies of a person with a growth mindset include learning from failure, embracing challenges, working hard, and learning from the successes of others.  Characteristics of having a fixed mindset are being embarrassed by failure, avoiding challenges, a lack of persistence, and a need for achievement to appear smart or talented.

          Research shows the positive effects of having a growth mindset.  Check out the "Research" tab above to read the many studies suggesting that a growth mindset is correlated with higher achievement than a fixed mindset.  However, this research is not meant to condemn those with a fixed mindset.  Just as this theory proposes that ability is not fixed, many studies suggest that a growth mindset can be learned, even at a very young age.  The children's books in the "Children's Literature" tab above can be used as tools to help teach children how to have a growth mindset.  Click there to find out how.  

Tendencies of people with a... 

Abigail Bates

The creation of this LibGuide serves as my Honors Project.  I worked in conjunction with Dr. Colleen Boff and Dr. Tim Brackenbury.