How to Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Parents want to know their children will be motivated to learn, but that is usually easier said than done, especially when a child faces learning difficulties. In this case, the most powerful factor in keeping a child motivated to learn is a strong growth mindset. For those unfamiliar with the term, your child’s “growth mindset” refers to their belief that that change is possible, that the challenges they face surrounding learning won’t stay the same forever, and that they can learn to do things in the future that they can’t do now.

But how do you help cultivate a growth mindset after your child has spent so many years believing that they can’t learn, that they have made no progress, and that learning will be a struggle forever? In short, you begin to show them that effort equals success.

Eaton Arrowsmith has found that one successful strategy is to focus on individualized programs rather than group programs that create peer pressure. When we stop comparing children to one another and focus instead on each child’s personal progress, it is easier for them to notice and appreciate their accomplishments. Instead of feeling stuck because they haven’t advanced as much as everyone else, children can see their own advancements for what they are.

We also find that focusing on improving weaknesses can cultivate a high level of motivation and focus with our students. Weaknesses are a huge pain point for anyone, but they can be an extra-sore spot for those with learning differences. Addressing and improving those weaknesses helps the child see that they can in fact grow stronger! This builds confidence and hope for the future, which is extremely motivating.

When children are given the opportunity to master complex cognitive tasks at their own pace, it gives them a strong sense of achievement, as well as the knowledge that this achievement came from their own effort. This knowledge gradually builds into a growth mindset that can change how they approach challenges in the future - and ultimately help them find that learning won’t have to be difficult forever.