Design Based Research
About Dr. Munafo
Understanding and Improving Self-Perception Through Growth Mindset
Growth Mindset for Adult Learners

by Koran Munafo

Learning Objective
Objective
Understand how to improve self-perception through the application of growth mindset principles
Key Question
How do your thoughts about your abilities shape your potential?
What Is Mindset?
Definition
Mindset = Beliefs about your abilities, intelligence, and potential
Two Types
Fixed Mindset - Belief that your qualities and abilities are innate, unchangeable traits that cannot be developed
Growth Mindset - Belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication, hard work, and continuous learning
"Mindset is a set of beliefs about yourself." – Dweck (2020)
Self-Perception Defined
Definition
Self-perception is how you view your abilities and potential
Key Insight
It influences motivation, resilience, and willingness to try new things
Fixed vs. Growth Mindset
Reflect: Where do you see yourself more often?
Reframing Negative Self-Talk
Fixed Mindset Thought
"I'm not good at this."
"This is too hard."
"I failed."
Growth Mindset Reframe
"I'm not good at this yet."
"This will take time and effort."
"I learned something from this."
Turn and Talk Activity: Practice reframing your own negative thoughts
Scenario Practice: Overcoming Setbacks
Scenario
You failed your first math quiz and think, "I'm just bad at math."
Reflect
  • What mindset is this?
  • How could you reframe it with a growth mindset?
  • What actions could you take next?
How to Improve Self-Perception
  1. Replace "can't" with "not yet" Change your language to acknowledge potential for growth
  1. Ask for help and feedback Seek input from others to improve
  1. Celebrate small wins Recognize progress along the way
  1. Accept challenges Embrace difficult situations as opportunities
  1. Focus on learning, not proving Value the process over performance
(Adapted from Gershon, 2016)
Growth Mindset Reflection Scale
1
I believe I can improve with effort
Rate yourself 1 (Fixed) to 5 (Growth)
2
I try new strategies when I struggle
Rate yourself 1 (Fixed) to 5 (Growth)
3
I accept feedback as helpful
Rate yourself 1 (Fixed) to 5 (Growth)
4
I see others' success as motivation
Rate yourself 1 (Fixed) to 5 (Growth)
Reflection: Where are you on the scale?
Reflection: What can you do to shift your score up by one or more points?
Strategies to help others with mindset
Praise effort, not intelligence
Focus on the process rather than innate ability
Avoid labeling
Labels can reinforce fixed mindset thinking
Use growth-oriented language
Choose words that emphasize potential and progress
Offer feedback focused on progress
Highlight improvement and next steps
Turn and Talk Activity: Practice offering growth mindset strategies
Mindset Continuum
1
Fixed Mindset (1)
Believes abilities are static
2
(2)
Occasionally tries new approaches
3
(3)
Sometimes embraces challenges
4
(4)
Often seeks feedback
5
Growth Mindset (5)
Fully embraces learning and growth
Mark where you feel you are now
Prompt: How can you move one step forward?
Key Takeaways
Your beliefs shape your potential
Mindset influences what you can achieve
Growth mindset improves resilience
Enhances performance and persistence
Small shifts in language = Big impact
Changing how you talk to yourself matters
Self-perception is a skill you can build
It can be developed with practice
References
  • Dweck, C. (2020). Self-theories. Psychology Press.
  • Gershon, J. (2016). How to Develop Growth Mindset in the Classroom.
  • Blazer, C. (2011). How students' beliefs... Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
  • Busch, B. (2015). Four Questions that Encourage Growth Mindset. The Guardian.
  • Limeri et al. (2020). Growing a Growth Mindset. IJ STEM Ed.
  • Stern, S. (2015). Supporting Growth Mindset in Upper-Level High School Students.