The Power of 'Yet'

In education, we often focus on outcomes: test scores, grades, achievements. But what happens when we shift our attention to how students approach learning instead of just the end result? That's where the growth mindset comes in. As a teacher, I've seen firsthand how fostering this mindset can change the trajectory of a student’s journey—not just in the classroom but in life.

The Shift From Fixed to Growth

When we talk about growth mindset, it’s easy to get caught up in buzzwords. But at its core, it’s about how we view challenges, failure, and effort. If we treat intelligence as something static—something you're either born with or not—we inadvertently limit our students’ potential. That fixed mindset can hold them back when things get tough.

I’ve noticed this especially with students who struggle at first. The moment they start thinking that failure means they’re not “good enough,” they check out. But when we encourage them to see failure as a natural part of the process, something that helps them improve, their entire approach to learning changes.

It’s About the Process, Not Just the Outcome

If there’s one thing I try to hammer home with my students, it’s that effort is just as valuable—if not more—than the outcome. A “C” on a test doesn’t mean you’re bad at the subject, but that maybe you need a different approach or more time. The key is persistence, the willingness to keep going even when things aren’t perfect.

One of my favorite moments as a teacher is when I see a student finally realize this for themselves. You can almost see the lightbulb go on: “Hey, it’s okay to not get it on the first try. I can do this!”

That shift in perspective opens up a world of possibility. And it's not just about grades. A growth mindset instills confidence and a sense of agency—qualities that students will carry with them long after they leave school.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset in the Classroom

The beauty of the growth mindset is that it’s not something that’s reserved for the super motivated or naturally gifted. It’s for everyone. As teachers, we have the power to create an environment where effort is celebrated, mistakes are viewed as stepping stones, and success is measured by progress, not perfection.

Here are a few ways I try to incorporate this into my teaching:

• Praise the Process, Not Just the Result: It’s tempting to praise the final grade, but it’s the process that gets them there. I make a point of celebrating the small wins: how they tackled a problem, the strategies they used, and the persistence they showed.
• Normalize Failure: I let students know early on that it’s okay to fail. In fact, I often share my own “failures”—times when I’ve learned something valuable from messing up. It helps create a space where failure isn’t something to fear but an opportunity for growth.
• Foster Self-Reflection: Asking students to reflect on their learning journey is powerful. I’ll often have them look at what worked, what didn’t, and how they can adjust their approach next time. This empowers them to take ownership of their learning.
• Language Matters: Simple shifts in language can make a huge difference. Instead of saying, “You’re so smart,” I’ll say, “You worked really hard on this.” Reinforcing the idea that effort leads to success makes it less about natural ability and more about perseverance.

It’s About Lifelong Learning

The beauty of a growth mindset isn’t just that it helps students improve academically—it helps them thrive in life. In the real world, setbacks and challenges are a given. The question isn’t “Can I avoid failure?” but “How do I learn from it and keep moving forward?”

Students who embrace a growth mindset aren’t just learning for the next test or assignment. They’re learning for life, developing the resilience and adaptability they’ll need as they tackle new challenges and opportunities.

When we, as teachers, cultivate this mindset, we’re doing more than teaching subjects. We’re preparing students to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers—qualities that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to churn out students who simply “get by” with the basics. It’s to help them grow, evolve, and approach the world with a mindset that says, “I can learn anything.” When we equip students with this belief, we’re setting them up for success—not just in school, but in life.

The beauty of teaching a growth mindset is that it’s contagious. When students see that growth is within their control, it changes the way they approach everything—from math problems to life challenges. It’s about embracing the journey, not just the destination.