09/09/2026
🧠 Is "Effort" Really All It Takes for a Growth Mindset?
In her Education Week article, Carol Dweck Revisits the ‘Growth Mindset’ (https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-carol-dweck-revisits-the-growth-mindset/2015/0920mindsets.pdf), Carol Dweck addresses common misunderstandings about her research and how educators and parents can apply a true growth mindset.
Key takeaways:
It’s not just about effort: Simply praising effort without learning can turn into a false growth mindset. A growth mindset is about trying new strategies, seeking guidance when stuck, and focusing on process and real progress.
Don't use it to hide achievement gaps: A growth mindset shouldn't be used to praise effort just to make students feel good when they aren't learning. It’s about being honest about current progress and actively helping students improve.
Legitimize the fixed mindset: Everyone experiences fixed-mindset triggers (like feeling defensive, anxious, or threatened by setbacks). The key is recognizing these triggers and working through them rather than denying they exist.
Check out the full article on [Education Week](https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-carol-dweck-revisits-the-growth-mindset/2015/0920mindsets.pdf)! 📖👇
