1.2.1: Growth Mindset

ESL 111B / 242C: Academic Listening and Speaking · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    Growth Mindset

    Having a growth mindset is essential for students because it changes how you view challenges and mistakes while learning English. When you have a growth mindset, you believe that your language skills and intelligence can improve through practice, effort, and good strategies—not just natural talent. For example, you need a growth mindset when you feel nervous about speaking in front of the class, when you receive constructive feedback on an essay, or when you struggle to understand a fast-paced lecture. Instead of feeling discouraged or thinking, "I'm just not good at English," a growth mindset helps you see mistakes as normal steps in the learning process. This attitude builds your confidence, motivates you to keep practicing, and helps you achieve your long-term academic and career goals.

    Discussion Questions

    Vocabulary

    1. Natural Talent vs. Effort: Think about someone you know who is exceptionally good at something (like speaking a second language, playing an instrument, or coding). Do you think their ability comes mostly from natural talent, or from thousands of hours of practice? Why?
    2. Handling Mistakes: When you make a mistake on an exam or receive critical feedback on an essay, what is your immediate reaction? Do you feel discouraged and want to avoid the subject, or do you view it as a clue for what to study next?
    3. Taking on Challenges: Imagine you have the choice between two assignments: one is easy and guarantees you an A, but you won't learn anything new; the other is difficult, risks getting a B, but will teach you a brand-new skill. Which one would you choose, and what influences your decision?

    Directions: Read the sentence from the video transcript carefully. Use the context of the sentence to choose the best definition for the bolded word or phrase.

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Cultivate

    "There are two types of mindsets we can cultivate: one that embraces problems as opportunities to learn, and one that avoids them."

    A) To completely hide or cover up an emotion

    B) To develop and improve a quality or skill over time

    C) To quickly change your mind about something

    B — To develop and improve a quality or skill over time

    Answer
    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Main Idea Questions

    1. What is the fundamental difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset regarding human abilities and intelligence?

    2. How do people with a growth mindset view mistakes and failures differently compared to people with a fixed mindset?

    Answer

    Fixed Mindset: People believe that basic qualities—such as intelligence and talents—are fixed traits that you are born with ("you've either got it or you haven't"). They believe these innate traits alone are responsible for success.

    Growth Mindset: People believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed, strengthened, and improved over time through practice, effort, and training (like a muscle).

    Exercise \(\PageIndex{1}\)

    Detailed Questions

    1. According to Dr. Carol Dweck, what should parents and teachers praise or celebrate in order to encourage a growth mindset?
    2. How do Jay (fixed mindset) and Ann (growth mindset) react differently when they receive feedback or criticism on their work?
    3. Why do modern companies prefer to hire job applicants who have a growth mindset?
    4. What question do some job interviewers ask to figure out if an applicant has a growth mindset?
    Answer
    Interactive Element

    1. Personal Experience: Can you think of a skill or area in your life (e.g., learning English, cooking, playing a sport, driving) where you used to have a fixed mindset, but eventually developed a growth mindset? What caused that change?

    2. Language Learning Connection: How does having a fixed mindset affect someone who is trying to learn a new language? What are some specific growth-mindset strategies you can use when you make a grammar or pronunciation mistake in English class?

    3. Parenting & Education: The transcript mentions that adults should "celebrate trying" rather than just good grades or perfection. Do you agree with this advice? How were mistakes handled in your family or school when you were growing up?

    4. Cultural Perspective: In your home country or culture, do you think people generally lean more toward a growth mindset or a fixed mindset when it comes to career success and intelligence? Why do you think that is?

    5. Critical Thinking: At the end of the video, the narrator asks if the concept of growth vs. fixed mindset is "overly simplistic." Do you think it is always possible to change your mindset, or are there situations where external factors (like socioeconomic background or luck) play a bigger role than mindset? Explain your view

    This page titled 1.2.1: Growth Mindset was last modified on Sat, 26 Sep 2026 19:01:30 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Ricky Tjandra.