Growth Mindset

The advantages of primary pupils developing and adopting a growth mindset (a phrase first coined by Carol Dwerk) have been widely discussed in education establishments and many teachers are aware of its benefits. A practical implementation of growth mindset theories is to understand which learning behaviours are the most effective; resilience, self-motivation and determination are key learning behaviours that, when developed well in a child, will support a lifetime of learning.

Primary children who are independent learners and who want to improve their own learning will naturally make better progress. But independent learning has to be modelled, encouraged and resources need to be put in place to promote it. Nikki Willis presents a tried-and-tested framework that is easily transferable on how to develop growth mindset in the primary classroom, while ensuring that independent learners are developed with healthy learning attitudes.

Growth Mindset: A Practical Guide is an invaluable guide filled with effective suggestions on how to create a growth mindset culture over time which will enhance the work already being done in primary schools. In doing so, a growth mindset culture will mean that primary learners will be eager to learn and want to achieve for themselves.

About the Author

Nikki Willis is a Deputy Headteacher and lead on Teaching and Learning. She is also an Early Years teacher and a trainer for Brentwood Collaborative Partnership schools.