Challenging Mindset: Why a Growth Mindset Makes a Difference in Learning – and What to Do When It Doesn’t

Create the right conditions for a growth mindset to flourish in your school and your students

Mindset doesn’t matter when things are easy; it is only when faced with challenges that working from a growth mindset influences learning. But what is a ‘growth mindset’? Why are mindset interventions not working in schools (yet)? What can be done to change this? Challenging Mindset answers key questions about Carol Dweck’s theory of Mindset and shares proven strategies for putting mindset theory into practice. A nuanced understanding of mindset is critical for fostering a growth mindset in yourself, your classroom, and your students.

"James Nottingham and Bosse Larsson offer an important and useful new addition to the ongoing conversation about mindset first introduced by Carol Dweck. Too often, theories such as mindset get reduced down to the simplest dichotomies and ideologies. Here, Nottingham and Larsson challenge our own mindset about the very idea of mindset theory itself, showing us what is possible if we really understand the theory and use it to challenge ourselves and our students."

Jim Burke, 
Teacher, Burlingame High School, and Author, Common Core Companion Series

This book answers key questions about Carol Dweck’s theory of Mindset – What is a ‘growth mindset’ and what difference can it make? Why are growth mindset interventions not working in schools (yet) and what can be done to change this? What is a ‘failure mindset’ and why is it more influential than an adult’s fixed or growth mindset?

Drawing on their experiences of presenting alongside Carol Dweck on many occasions, James Nottingham and Bosse Larsson tackle head-on these questions with research-backed clarity, and share proven strategies for mindset success. Mindset doesn’t matter when things are easy; it is only when faced with challenges that working from a growth mindset influences learning.

Highlights of the book include:

• Comments and insights from Carol Dweck to enhance your understanding of her important work
• A detailed and nuanced examination of how mindset works and what you can do to make it more effective for your students
• An exploration of the relationship between mindset and grades
• Strategies to encourage a growth mindset during moments of challenge
• Comprehensive lesson ideas for teaching students about mindset
• Why praising ‘effort’ can be powerful but also problematic, with an identification of what type of praise is best
• Examples of how to make the most of mindset theory and practice

Everyone has a mindset that shapes their personality, motivation and development. This book shows you how to create the right conditions for a growth mindset to flourish in your classroom, your school, your staff and your students.