Growth Mindsets

Fixed
Mindsets

habits of mind

GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS

Disposition

Takes Initiative
Is willing to explore options, is naturally a divergent thinker, and is a self-starter

Independent-Minded

Manages social pressures and explores beyond popular beliefs

Circumspect
Is tentative in one's belief until there is sufficient evidence or complexity to warrant a more definitive position

Self-Reflective
Is continually monitoring that one’s beliefs and actions are well grounded

Open-Minded
Is open to alternative and opposing views

Humble
Knows one’s place in a bigger picture – can laugh at his/herself

Thinking and Learning Strategies

Inquiring Mind (curious)
Is willing to go beyond face value, is inclined to inquire into matters and take up a challenge

Tolerant of Ambiguity
Is willing to live with ambiguity, has developed the capacity to go beyond black-or-white answers

Persistent and Perseverant
Is willing to persist by thinking through problems in a thorough and careful manner

Attentive to Detail
Is willing to engage in careful consideration  to detail

Critically Minded
Is able to evaluate information to determine levels of importance and contribution

Fair-Minded
Is willing to establish criteria for assessing ideas toward generating productive advances in thinking and creating

Believes Intelligence can be Developed

Wants to
Learn

Considers Many Possible Solutions

Believes Intelligence is Static

Wants to
Look Smart

Considers Limited Number of Solutions

CHALLENGES

Embraces Challenges

Avoids Challenges

OBSTACLES

Persists in the Face of of Setbacks

Gets Defensive or Gives Up Easily

EFFORT

Sees Effort as the Path to Mastery

Sees Effort as Fruitless or Worse

CRITICISM

Learns from Useful Negative Feedback

Ignores Useful Negative Feedback

Collaborative Skills

Inclusive
Is willing to seek to include all participants

Flexible
Is willing to change tactics or approach and adjust behavior to the situation

Accommodating
Is willing to compromise and adjust thinking and behavior to the situation

Respectful
Is willing to engage respectfully in discussion with others

Constructive
Is willing to take and give critical and productive feedback

Empathic
Is able to empathize with those in diverse situations and contexts

Consultative
Is inclined to seek several sources of information, solicit expert opinion and confer with others

SUCCESS OF OTHERS

Finds Lessons and Inspiration in the Success of Others

Feels Threatened by the Success of  Others

OUTCOMES…

Reaches Higher Levels of Achievement

May Plateau Early and Achieve Less Than Full Potential