Many schools and educators are now using the growth mindset theory to improve the performance of pupils and help them achieve their full potential.

The concept of a growth mindset was developed by Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist. In a 2012 interview for OneDublin.org, Dweck's definition of fixed and growth mindsets, states:

"In a fixed mindset, students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents, are just fixed traits. They have a certain amount, and that's that, and then their goal becomes to look smart all the time and never look dumb. In a growth mindset, students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don't necessarily think everyone's the same, or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it."

Focusing on pupil improvement

When students and educators have a growth mindset they focus on improvement instead of worrying about how smart they are. They work hard to learn more and get smarter. Growth mindset in school not only helps pupils achieve good results but also improves the general wellbeing of students.

Confidence and resilience helps young people believe in themselves

Helping children and young people understand how we learn and how the brain works, significantly increase learning and perseverance in learning. Couple this with confidence, resilience and skills to believe in themselves, even in challenging times, and this is your recipe for success.