Strategy Spotlight:

Refresh, Restore, Reignite Your Coaching Mojo

Mini Mindset Shifts

Small Changes Invite Possibility

Many, if not most, academic coaches are familiar with the concept of fixed and growth mindset and how mindset influences students' willingness to put forth effort. Mindset research, pioneered by Dr. Carol Dweck beginning in the 1970s, has been transformative in learning science, helping educators to understand that there is more to the story of a unique student's performance than their native ability. Research on mindset is ongoing, and more recently Dr. Mary Murphy has collaborated with Dweck and others to add nuance to the discussion. In this Indiana University news post following the release of her 2024 book Cultures of Growth, one of the key points she emphasizes is that mindset is a continuum, not a polarized, all-or-nothing state. Learners can locate themselves on various points on the continuum, and can move up or down depending on the situation. Furthermore, mindset does not originate exclusively in the learner's mind, but can be influenced by environments and cultures. 

This understanding of mindset empowers coaches to invite smaller, perhaps more achievable shifts in mindset. When students believe they are not capable of performing certain academic tasks or learning particular content, they often can't imagine jumping from "can't" to "can." But a coach can invite a student to consider the continuum, and envision smaller, manageable steps that get them closer to "can" over time. Coaches, once you've introduced students to what mindset is and how it works, consider actions like these to drive mini mindset shifts:

• Reflect what you hear, and confirm: "I hear you saying that you can't write, is that how you feel?" 
• Invite a disruption to the mindset: "What, or when, have you been able to write something you were satisfied with?"
• Encourage a step-by-step journey: "What is one action you can take to move forward in your writing skill?" "Who can help you make a small improvement on this draft?" "What grade would look like progress to you on your next writing assignment?" 
• Consider adjacent growth mindset: "What personal strength can you bring to your writing to improve your performance?" "How can your growth mindset in self management help you put effort into improving your writing?" 
• Suggest a "workout" strategy: "What small daily effort can you make to gradually increase your growth mindset around writing?" 

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