The power of yet Carol S Dweck TEDxNorrköping

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the concept of 'the power of yet' is explored, highlighting how a growth mindset transforms learning and achievement. By replacing failure with the idea of 'not yet,' students embrace challenges and see setbacks as opportunities for growth. The speaker shares powerful examples of how students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, thrive when encouraged to view effort and difficulty as pathways to improvement. Through research and real-world stories, the talk demonstrates how fostering this mindset can lead to remarkable academic and personal success, ultimately promoting equality and resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Students who receive a grade of 'not yet' instead of failing feel more motivated, understanding that they are on a learning curve and can improve over time.
• 😀 The 'growth mindset' is the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance, as opposed to the 'fixed mindset,' where intelligence is seen as static.
• 😀 Students with a growth mindset engage deeply with challenges, while those with a fixed mindset often avoid them, fearing failure.
• 😀 Studies show that students with a growth mindset show greater brain activity when confronting errors, as they see mistakes as opportunities to learn.
• 😀 Praising effort, strategy, and perseverance, rather than inherent intelligence, helps build resilience and a positive learning attitude in students.
• 😀 Gamifying education by rewarding progress, effort, and problem-solving (not just correct answers) can increase student engagement and persistence.
• 😀 When students are taught that pushing beyond their comfort zone strengthens their brains, they are more likely to persevere through difficult challenges.
• 😀 Teaching growth mindset can significantly improve academic outcomes, especially for struggling students. Students who understand the power of 'yet' see academic decline reversed.
• 😀 Children in disadvantaged communities, such as inner cities or Native American reservations, can excel when they are taught to embrace the 'power of yet' and see effort as a key to success.
• 😀 A growth mindset is not just an educational tool—it’s a powerful life lesson that can impact personal growth and future success across all aspects of life.

Q & A

What is the main idea behind the 'Power of Yet' concept?

The 'Power of Yet' encourages individuals to see failure as a learning opportunity and understand that abilities can be developed over time with effort. Instead of labeling something as impossible, it teaches that success is simply a matter of 'not yet' being achieved.

How does a growth mindset differ from a fixed mindset?

A growth mindset believes that abilities can be developed through effort and learning, whereas a fixed mindset assumes that intelligence and abilities are innate and unchangeable. People with a growth mindset embrace challenges, while those with a fixed mindset avoid them to protect their sense of competence.

What impact does the 'Power of Yet' have on students' reactions to failure?

The 'Power of Yet' helps students view failure as part of the learning process, which encourages persistence, engagement, and the willingness to improve. In contrast, students with a fixed mindset may feel defeated or discouraged by failure.

How does praising effort rather than talent affect students?

Praising effort, strategies, focus, and perseverance rather than innate talent fosters resilience in students. It reinforces the idea that success comes from hard work and learning, rather than from being 'naturally' good at something.

What research findings support the effectiveness of teaching a growth mindset?

Research shows that students who adopt a growth mindset tend to perform better academically, especially after facing challenges. Studies have shown that students who were taught that abilities could improve through effort experienced a rebound in grades, while those without this mindset showed declining performance.

How does the growth mindset approach lead to improved outcomes for disadvantaged students?

The growth mindset has led to significant academic improvements for disadvantaged students, including those in inner-city schools and Native American reservations. By changing the way students perceive effort and difficulty, these students have been able to overcome challenges and achieve success.

Can you give an example of where the growth mindset has had a tangible impact on student achievement?

One example is a kindergarten class in Harlem, New York, where students scored in the 95th percentile on a national achievement test after being taught a growth mindset. Another example is Native American students on a reservation who went from the bottom to the top in academic performance within a year.

Why is the idea of 'yet' so powerful for students struggling with academic challenges?

'Yet' is powerful because it provides hope and a sense of progress. It shifts the focus from a fixed idea of failure to the possibility of future success, encouraging students to continue trying and improving rather than feeling defeated.

What role does the brain's activity play in the growth mindset?

Studies have shown that students with a growth mindset exhibit higher brain activity when confronted with errors. This suggests that they are more engaged with the learning process, actively working to understand and correct their mistakes, which leads to better learning outcomes.

What is the role of educators in fostering a growth mindset in students?

Educators play a crucial role in fostering a growth mindset by creating learning environments that emphasize effort, process, and improvement. They can praise students' strategies, perseverance, and progress, rather than just rewarding talent or correct answers.