Growth Mindset: What Works (And What Doesn't)
What growth mindset actually does for learners. Yeager and Dweck (2021) identify four conditions where it works; without them, trials show zero impact.
What is a growth mindset ?
Dweck (2006) says a growth mindset means learners improve through effort. Teachers encourage this by praising hard work and process. They make mistakes normal (Boaler, 2015) and support learners to tackle challenges (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Coaching in schools can transform how young people learn and grow. When teachers use coaching methods in their classrooms, students develop better attitudes towards challenges and mistakes. This approach helps create a positive learning environmentwhere everyone can improve.
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Key Takeaway
Growth mindset is real but small. Four meta-analyses put the effect on achievement between d = 0.05 and d = 0.14, depending on context and subgroup (Sisk et al., 2018; Macnamara and Burgoyne, 2022; Burnette et al., 2023). The EEF Changing Mindsets trial with 4,584 UK Year 6 learners found zero additional months of progress. By comparison, metacognition and self-regulation produce +7 months of progress (EEF, 2021). Growth mindset is the belief that you can improve. Metacognition is the skill to actually do it. The evidence says: mindset is the starter, not the main course. Invest your time in teaching learners HOW to learn, not just that they CAN.
Growth Mindset vs Metacognition: Head-to-Head
Metacognition
+7 months
EEF evidence rating: Very High
Growth Mindset
0-2 months
EEF evidence rating: Mixed
Colmar et al. (2021) found growth mindset only predicted higher engagement in learners who also had metacognitive skills. Mindset without metacognition is like believing you can drive but never learning how.
The Feedback Reframer
Reframe fixed mindset praise into process-focussed language
Step 1: Choose a scenario
Fixed mindset response
Step 2: Build a growth mindset response
Your growth mindset response
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Key Takeaways
- Embracing a growth mindset fundamentally alters learners' approach to learning and challenges: This perspective, championed by Carol Dweck, posits that intelligence and abilities are malleable, not fixed, encouraging learners to view effort and strategy as pathways to improvement rather than indicators of inherent talent (Dweck, 2006). Teachers fostering this belief can significantly enhance learners' resilience and academic engagement across all subjects.
- Strategic language and feedback are pivotal in cultivating a growth mindset within the classroom: Shifting from praising innate ability to commending effort, strategy, and progress helps learners understand that their intelligence can grow through hard work and effective methods (Dweck, 2006). Providing specific, actionable feedback, as highlighted in the "Feedback Reframer" section, equips learners to see mistakes as opportunities for learning and development.
- Robust empirical evidence supports the positive impact of growth mindset interventions on learner achievement: Studies have demonstrated that teaching learners about the brain's capacity to grow and form new connections can lead to improved motivation and academic outcomes, particularly for those struggling (Blackwell, Trzesniewski, & Dweck, 2007). These interventions help learners understand that intelligence is not static, fostering a belief in their potential for intellectual development.
- Effective growth mindset implementation requires careful attention to common pitfalls and a sustained, authentic approach: Simply praising effort without linking it to strategy can be counterproductive, as can presenting growth mindset as a panacea without acknowledging the need for concrete learning strategies (Dweck, 2015). Teachers must integrate growth mindset principles authentically across the curriculum, adapting strategies for different age groups and subject areas to ensure lasting impact and genuine learner development.
Growth Mindset in Education
Dweck's (2006) growth mindset means teachers help learners build skills through effort. They should praise the learning process, not just talent. Classrooms must view mistakes as chances to improve, according to Yeager and Dweck (2012). This approach strengthens resilience, as noted by Blackwell et al (2007), linking to curriculum aims.
Dweck's (2006) work on growth mindset has significantly impacted education. Research by Blackwell et al. (2007) showed learners with a growth mindset improved grades. Yeager and Dweck (2012) further demonstrated its long-term motivational benefits. This links to "growth mindset in education", searched 65 times monthly.
Growth Mindset Interventions
Growth mindset interventions help learners believe they can improve (Dweck, 2006). They use social-emotional learning and boost memory strategies (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Teachers can use this in writing to show work evolves (Hattie, 2008). See our guide for detailed implementation advice.
Process feedback helps learners more than generic praise. Tell them what they did well, not just "well done." Butler's research on task-involving versus ego-involving feedback (Butler, 1987) shows that informational comments help learners more than evaluative or controlling feedback. Focus on the learning process, as Butler suggests, not the learner's image.
Modelling mistakes aids learning (Duckworth, 2016). Teachers can share their challenges and problem-solving (Dweck, 2006). If a teacher struggles, learners see this process as normal (Boaler, 2015). This approach reduces anxieties about making errors.
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Collaborative learning reinforces growth mindset. Learners see varied problem-solving in groups (Dweck, 2006). Reflection on strategies builds metacognition alongside growth mindset. See Rosenshine's (2012) principles for more guidance.
John Flavell (1979) first named metacognitive knowledge. Barry Zimmerman's (2002) model helps us teach learners self-regulated learning skills. This framework aids teaching, building upon earlier research.
Research Evidence: What the Studies Show
Yeager's studies show growth mindset interventions can improve learner outcomes. However, the improvements are often small and depend on context. Sisk's meta-analyses found average effect sizes around 0.1. This suggests growth mindset is helpful, but not a cure-all.
Growth mindset work helps specific learners best, research shows. (Dweck, 2006) Learners from poor backgrounds benefit a lot. Academic changes are easier with this mindset. (Yeager & Dweck, 2012) Praise alone does little; teach good learning skills. (Blackwell et al., 2007)
Dweck (2006) found sustained approaches beat single sessions. Combine growth mindset, strategies, and feedback for impact. Encourage learners to take intellectual risks in class. Use growth mindset to motivate learners, building resilience (Yeager & Walton, 2011).
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Growth mindset work can fail through common errors. Teachers often give simple "good effort" instead of "you're clever" praise. Carol Dweck's research shows praise needs to focus on specific learning processes. Praising effort alone, without strategic focus, can suggest to learners they lack effort.
Focus on classroom culture matters, not just growth mindset tasks. Teachers might use growth mindset words, but keep old assessment styles. Showing ability groups or pushing competition can hurt (Dweck, 2006). This sends mixed signals, impacting learner progress (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Focus on system-wide changes instead of quick fixes. Give feedback on learner's successful strategies. Link struggles directly to learning, (Dweck, 2006). Align classroom work with growth mindset ideas, (Yeager & Dweck, 2012). Show your own growth mindset; share learning challenges, (Blackwell et al., 2007). Adapt teaching using learner feedback, (Hattie & Timperley, 2007).
Measuring Progress and Impact
Measuring growth mindset interventions well means looking beyond basic tests. Carol Dweck's research (dates unstated) says focus on the process, not just results. Teachers can use journals, peer feedback, and observe learners facing challenges. This helps track real changes in classroom behaviour.
Use "learning process surveys" for learners to rate comfort with mistakes (Black et al., 2003). Watch learners' language about work for insights (Dweck, 2006). Note fixed statements turning to growth-oriented phrases (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Track learner behaviour with simple sheets; note help-seeking, task attempts, and feedback responses. A classroom growth mindset rubric lets learners self-assess effort, strategy, and resilience. This shows intervention effects and reinforces growth mindset principles (Dweck, 2006).
Subject-Specific Growth Mindset Strategies
Growth mindset helps maths learners see errors as chances to learn (Boaler). When learners view mistakes as brain-building, their performance improves greatly. Teachers can show different solution pathways and praise reasoning. Instead of just marking right or wrong, say, "I can see your thinking here".
Growth mindset shows learners that literacy improves with work (Dweck). Model revisions and give feedback on strategies, not just content. Encourage learners to track their progress (Dweck).
Dweck's (2006) growth mindset links to science through experiments. Teachers can frame investigations as thinking skill builders. Encourage learners to explain reasoning in practical work. Highlight how science evolves through inquiry and collaboration (Osborne, 2010).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does growth mindset mean in education?
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. In a school setting, this means students see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than as evidence of fixed limitations. Teachers support this by focusing on the learning process and strategy use rather than innate talent.
How do teachers implement growth mindset interventions in the classroom?
Researchers (Dweck, 2006; Yeager & Dweck, 2012) found that the "not yet" approach helps frame learning. Teachers can model their own learning, so learners see mistakes as normal. Concrete study strategies, like metacognition (Flavell, 1979), work best when taught.
What are the benefits of a growth mindset for learning?
Dweck (2006) found learners with growth mindsets show resilience with tough tasks. These learners seek challenges and persist after setbacks, boosting curriculum engagement. This approach supports better self-regulation and a positive attitude to schoolwork, says Yeager et al. (2019).
What does the research say about growth mindset interventions?
Yeager et al. found growth mindset improves grades, notably for disadvantaged learners. Results are often small, meta-analyses suggest. Yeager et al. say good delivery and the learning environment matter most.
What are common mistakes when using growth mindset strategies?
Dweck (2016) noted teachers often praise effort alone. This happens even if learners don't use effective strategies. Praising work that's below standard is also unhelpful. Yeager and Dweck (2012) stressed honest feedback guides learners toward real progress. New strategies are essential, according to Hattie and Timperley (2007).
How can teachers use process-focussed feedback to support growth mindset?
Process-focussed feedback praises specific learner actions (Kluger & DeNisi, 1996). Teachers should highlight methods or persistence instead of saying "you are clever". This helps learners repeat behaviours that lead to success (Hattie & Timperley, 2007).
Why Growth Mindset Alone Does Not Work
Growth mindset without metacognition is belief without skill. Colmar et al. (2021) found that growth mindset only predicted engagement among learners who also had metacognitive skills. Without knowing how to monitor their own learning, believing "I can improve" leads nowhere.
Macnamara and Burgoyne (2022) conducted a meta-analysis of growth mindset interventions. When corrected for publication bias, the overall effect became nonsignificant. Growth mindset interventions alone produced minimal academic gains across the studies reviewed.
The EEF Teaching and Learning Toolkit makes the comparison stark. Metacognition and self-regulation produces +7 months of additional progress with very high evidence (4 padlocks). Growth mindset interventions show 0 to 2 months of progress with mixed evidence (2 padlocks).
| Level | What It Means | EEF Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mindset | I believe I can improve | 0-2 months (mixed) |
| Metacognition | I know how to monitor my learning | +7 months (very high) |
| Self-regulation | I persist when work is difficult | +7 months (very high) |
| Deliberate practice | I practice with feedback and purpose | d = 0.54-0.71 (Hattie, 2011) |
The message for teachers is clear. Mindset work is necessary but insufficient. Pair it with explicit metacognitive instruction, retrieval practice, and structured formative assessment to see real gains.
The EEF UK Trial: What Teachers Need to Know
The Education Endowment Foundation ran the largest UK trial of growth mindset interventions. Foliano et al. (2019) studied 4,584 Year 6 learners across 101 schools in a rigorous randomised controlled trial. The result: zero additional months of progress in either literacy or numeracy.
Context matters. Even control schools in the trial were already doing growth mindset activities. The intervention could not outperform what was already happening. This suggests growth mindset has become so widespread in UK schools that a specific programme adds nothing beyond existing practice.
Yeager and Dweck (2021) later clarified their position. Growth mindset works only when four conditions exist: learners face genuine challenges, school culture supports challenge-seeking, real conditions for improvement exist, and implementation is high-fidelity. Poster slogans and one-off assemblies do not meet these criteria.
What does EEF recommend instead? Three strategies with much stronger evidence:
- Metacognition and self-regulation (+7 months). Teach learners to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own thinking.
- Feedback (+6 months). Give specific, actionable feedback focused on the task, not the person.
- Collaborative learning (+5 months). Structure group work with clear roles and accountability.
Teachers who spent CPD time on growth mindset assemblies would see greater returns by investing that same time in metacognitive strategies and scaffolded instruction.
Adapting for Different Age Groups
Growth mindset interventions need adapting for age groups. Learners' thinking changes from primary to secondary school (Dweck, 2006). Young learners aged 5-8 enjoy challenges, so build their mindset. Use simple examples like brains growing stronger (Blackwell et al., 2007).
Blackwell (date) shows learners gain from understanding brain growth. Abstract reasoning lets them see how practice builds neural pathways. Secondary interventions should use peer talks on learning. Social validation matters more for older learners (Blackwell, date).
Picture books let primary teachers explore learning through activities. Secondary teachers can use successful people case studies (Dweck, 2006). Simple praise works best for younger learners in the classroom. Older learners need to discuss metacognition and strategies (Hattie & Timperley, 2007).
Further Reading: Key Research Papers
Dweck (2006) and Yeager & Dweck (2012) show growth mindset interventions affect learning. Blackwell et al (2007) found these interventions boost maths achievement. These studies by Claro et al (2016) support using them to help every learner.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success View study ↗ 6,082 citations
Dweck, C. S. (2006)
Dweck (2006) contrasts fixed and growth mindsets. Learners believing intelligence can grow do better than those seeing it as set. Praising effort, not ability, yields better results (Dweck, 2006). The text provides theory for mindset interventions.
Dweck's (2006) work shows learners with growth mindsets achieve more. Blackwell et al. (2007) found mindset interventions improved grades. Yeager et al. (2019) highlight mindset's impact on challenging transitions. These studies suggest growth mindset strategies benefit UK learners.
Yeager, D. S. et al. (2019)
Yeager et al. (2019) found mindset interventions improved grades for lower-achieving learners. More learners enrolled in advanced courses too. Supportive school norms are key (Yeager et al., 2019). Teachers, boost mindset alongside a positive school culture.
Praise for Intelligence Can Undermine Children's Motivation and Performance View study ↗ 1,673 citations
Mueller, C. M. and Dweck, C. S. (1998)
Dweck's research showed intelligence praise made learners avoid challenges. Effort praise fostered learner persistence after failure (Dweck, 2007). Process-focused feedback, like "You used a strong strategy", helps learners. Generic ability praise, such as "You're so clever", does not help learners.
Is It a Fixed Mindset That Stops Learners from Learning? A Meta-Analysis 250 citations
Sisk, V. F. et al. (2018)
Dweck's work on mindset showed a link to learner achievement. Mindset approaches help learners facing difficulties (Dweck, 2006). Target these interventions for impact, instead of using broad methods (Yeager & Dweck, 2012).
Self-Theories: Their Role in Motivation, Personality, and Development View study ↗ 2,252 citations
Dweck, C. S. (1999)
Dweck (2006) explains how beliefs about ability influence learner motivation. Fixed and growth mindsets impact goal setting and responses to setbacks. This text, based on Dweck (2006) and Yeager & Dweck (2012), links mindset to classroom choices.
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