Design Based Research

Understanding and Improving Self-Perception Through Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset for Adult Learners

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.