In this session, we discussed Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset. We watched a Tedtalk that focused on Dweck’s research and discussed this research in relation to KCC students and the value it holds for mentoring. In essence, Dweck’s research demonstrates that praising children for intelligence with language such as, “you are so smart”, can backfire in that children/ teens/ young adults start to see intelligence as a fixed trait that can’t be changed versus having a “Growth mindset” that can be fostered and in one’s control. Participants in this session were also asked to read two articles that Dweck had written about Growth Mindset prior to the FIG session. These articles and videos can be viewed through the linked, Mentoring Google Site.

Carol Dweck’s talk on Growth versus Fixed Mindset- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ

Dweck-how praise is harming youth