The Importance of a Growth Mindset During Remote Learning

From the first day of school, educators set the tone by investing a significant amount of time and resources in creating an orderly, student-centered classroom environment. Starting from the moment students walk into the room, talking openly about the ideal classroom mindset and involving students in constructing that culture throughout the year pays off.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges that educators continue to work to overcome. Thus, there have been multiple “first days of school.” As many students, parents, and educators experienced, navigating these changes hasn’t been easy. In adjusting to remote learning, the key to remaining positive, solving problems, and continuing the learning is embracing a growth mindset.

What is a growth mindset?

Dr. Carol Dweck is known for outlining the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, we believe intelligence or ability is inherent and can’t be gained or improved. As a result, the fixed mindset closes us off to possibilities, and often problems can stop us in our tracks. On the other hand, we don’t believe that these qualities are fixed in a growth mindset. With a growth mindset, we think that we can improve and grow. For that reason, we are flexible and open, and problems get solved.

Educators can encourage a growth mindset by staying positive and showing students how they can still progress, even during challenging times. Every time students see their educators encouraging resilience and problem-solving, it’s easier for them to see that growth is possible.

A Growth Mindset during Remote Learning 

The last two school years spotlighted the importance of supporting students wherever they are, in any situation, and in whatever way they learn best. From preschool students learning how to “do” school for the first time to high school seniors reimagining their participation in athletics, prom, and other rites of passage, it is not a stretch to say that this was the most disruptive time for students in several generations. There has never been a better time to reinforce problem-solving skills and determination to see things through to the end.

Teaching students to embrace getting “stuck and unstuck” as they mull over a complex topic or get acclimated to online instruction makes remote learning fun and engaging, despite a lack of in-person contact with their peers. This could be an incredibly effective time for students to learn skills that can serve them well into adulthood.

Additionally, school leaders must continue to support teachers by coaching them through all the nuances of virtual classrooms and learning management systems (LMS)—everything from posting assignments to creating formative assessments. Above all, leaders must remember that educators are “exhausted and grieving” and need to see the modeling of a growth mindset by their administrators.

Engage Parents with a Growth Mindset 

In many cases, parents serve as both caregivers and educators, which has been an immense burden. As you connect with parents to help students engage with remote learning coursework, remember that every family has a story. Knowing each family’s story will help you collaboratively solve problems and accelerate learning gains.

With the lines of communication open and flowing in both directions, educators are now in a great position to develop productive relationships with parents. It’s important to encourage parents to see remote learning as an opportunity, not a setback. The skills used in remote learning, including using an LMS, videoconferencing tools, and asynchronous collaboration, can set students up for success beyond graduation. When the silver lining of this difficult time is clear for parents, they can be reassured of positive student outcomes.

A Growth Mindset Helps Continue the Learning

We can continue the learning by pursuing the right objectives with a growth mindset. For example, educators can seek formative, inquiry-based learning instead of translating traditional summative assessment to a remote learning format. Or they can try to understand the challenges students and families are facing and then help smooth the path as much as possible. Ultimately, we can utilize our attitude and approach during remote learning to ensure learning continuity every time we log on.