Growth Mindset Strategy 1: Challenge Statement and The Power of Yet

1) Watch the teaching video.

2) Hear from Marisol and how she created a challenge statement that includes the word yet that brings into focus her potential to learn as she improves her growth mindset. 

3)Review Marisol's completed example below. Then download and complete your activity page.

Scroll down to see other examples of challenge statements.

Growth Mindset Part 1 Persona Worksheet.pdf

4) Share your personal or professional challenge that includes the word yet at the end.

Look for this symbol on the public Padlet below and click to add your post.

Be sure to review and comment on other's posts!


Complete and Continue your journey!

Lesson Summary

In this module, Scott introduces the concept of viewing the world through a growth mindset lens. A growth mindset focuses on the belief that potential to learn and accomplish goals increases with effort. Key distinctions include:

  • Growth mindset: "I can figure this out," emphasizes possibility and learning.
  • Fixed mindset: "It is what it is," indicates acceptance without change.

Carol Dweck highlights the power of the word "yet" which creates space for potential growth and learning. This word doesn’t guarantee success but opens opportunities to overcome challenges.

To build a growth mindset, learners are encouraged to create a challenge statement—a single sentence defining a problem or goal important to them, framed as a challenge. Examples include:

  • Personal challenge: "I need to make repairs to my apartment to get my deposit back, but I haven’t started yet."
  • Professional challenge: "I want to make my classroom more student-centered, but I don’t know how that looks yet."

Participants select one challenge to focus on during the course but may select another challenge later.

Marisol, who works with youth in an afterschool program, shares her process for creating a challenge statement with a growth mindset:

  • Brainstormed personal and professional challenges without worrying about the "right" one.
  • Considered areas like health, finances, relationships, students, organization, and self-growth.
  • Narrowed down to two challenges using the word "yet":
  • Chose the professional challenge because it was meaningful and relevant.
  • Realized she could shift from a growth mindset to an even stronger growth focus, embracing learning and practice.

Next steps for learners include:

  • Reviewing Marisol’s example and completing their own activity page with a challenge statement.
  • Sharing their personal or professional challenge including the word "yet" on a public Padlet.
  • Engaging with others by reviewing and commenting on peer posts.
  • Continuing their growth mindset journey through practice and reflection.

Complete and Continue  
Discussion

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