Dweck's mindset theory and Willingham's learning theory

Overview

Fixed and growth mindsets, praise for effort, and Willingham's view that factual knowledge and practice come before skill, with strategies for cognitive, physical and social development.

What you need to know

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Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What does Carol Dweck's mindset theory claim?

   Model answer

   Dweck claims that people's beliefs about ability shape how they learn and respond to failure. Dweck identified a fixed mindset and a growth mindset.

2. 2

   What is a fixed mindset?

   Model answer

   A fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence and ability are set at birth and cannot be changed.

3. 3

   What is a growth mindset?

   Model answer

   A growth mindset is the belief that ability can be developed through effort, practice and learning.

4. 4

   How does a student with a fixed mindset usually respond to a difficult task?

   Model answer

   A student with a fixed mindset tends to avoid challenges and give up quickly. Failure is taken as proof of low ability.

5. 5

   How does a student with a growth mindset usually respond to failure?

   Model answer

   A student with a growth mindset treats failure as a chance to learn. The student keeps trying and looks for a better strategy.

6. 6

   How do the fixed and growth mindsets differ in their view of effort and ability?

   Model answer

   A fixed mindset sees the need for effort as a sign of low ability. A growth mindset sees effort as the way ability is built.

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