Growth Mindset and Emotional Education

Growth Mindset @ MCS

Growth Mindset is a belief system that suggests abilities and intelligence can be developed through efforts, strategies and resilience. Coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, this concept contrasts with a fixed mindset, which assumes talents are innate and unchangeable. Her research into children's self-theories shows that people with growth mindsets consistently try to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zone to learn new things. They are willing to work hard and are resilient in the face of setbacks – the very qualities that predict the flourishing of ability over time. On the other hand, people with fixed mindsets believe their intelligence or talent alone creates success – without effort. A fixed mindset turns pupils away from learning, even when that learning is crucial to their future success.

At MCS, we unpack the strategies required to cultivate a Growth Mindset through:

1. Effective Effort including reflective practices (use of feedback)

2. Key E21CC skills, with a focus on adaptive thinking, collaboration and communication.

3. Strong emotional management and regulation with the acquisition of SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) competencies

Our approach equips students with effective effort and strategies aligned to the development of a Growth Mindset. This is illustrated in the diagrams below, which demonstrates how these elements work together to foster Growth Mindset in our learners.

We believe that Growth Mindset are important as it:

• Enhances student motivation and engagement

• Promotes resilience in face of challenges

• Fosters a love for learning and self-improvement

• Develops adaptive thinking and resourcefulness in problem solving

• Improves academic performance and achievement

• Prepares students for future success in a VUCA and BANI world

Goals and Objectives of the Implementation

School Strategic Goal:

To instill growth mindset in every child.

Department Objectives:

To create, implement and review a 6-year spiral GEM curriculum:

1. Increase student understanding of brain plasticity and learning processes.

2. Improve students' academic performance and learning outcomes through active practice of effective effort.

3. Develop students' ability to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

4. Improve students' resilience and perseverance in face of setbacks.

5. Enhance students' self-reflection and metacognitive skills.

6. Develop students' ability to set and pursue meaningful, challenging goals by being adaptive.

To create a growth-oriented and intellectually safe learning environment.

To provide structured opportunities to apply and process GEM learning in identified opportunities in co-curriculum.

To train staff on Growth Mindset principles and practices. To heighten students' awareness of their own emotions.

To refine and implement tiered leadership development programmes which promote GEM in student leaders.

Engage parents in supporting growth mindset development at home.