I'm not certain that the "growth mindset" research is solid, lots of psychological science isn't that certain actually. But I think it's supported more than not.
The key point here: saying "you have a fixed mindset" and "you have a growth mindset" are THEMSELVES statements of a fixed mindset in this perspective! It's not strict in that it doesn't imply that you can't change. but my favorite part of the perspective is the broader thing that can be divorced from "growth mindset": that we should focus on the actions and intentions rather than on personal judgments.
There are reasons outside of "growth mindset" (such as plain improved interpersonal communication) to avoid focusing on personal judgment.
If you say, "I don't like that 'growth mindset' stuff", consider how much better it sounds for me to say "That's doesn't seem like an open-minded view of the idea" instead of saying, "You don't seem like an open-minded person."
The "growth mindset" is just one framing. I'm asserting that we really do need to get away from things that encourage kids (and everyone) from taking everything so personally. We can all respond better to both positive and negative feedback when it isn't seen as a personal judgment. We need to go away from the entire emphasis that personal judgments are something to focus on.
The key point here: saying "you have a fixed mindset" and "you have a growth mindset" are THEMSELVES statements of a fixed mindset in this perspective! It's not strict in that it doesn't imply that you can't change. but my favorite part of the perspective is the broader thing that can be divorced from "growth mindset": that we should focus on the actions and intentions rather than on personal judgments.
There are reasons outside of "growth mindset" (such as plain improved interpersonal communication) to avoid focusing on personal judgment.
If you say, "I don't like that 'growth mindset' stuff", consider how much better it sounds for me to say "That's doesn't seem like an open-minded view of the idea" instead of saying, "You don't seem like an open-minded person."
The "growth mindset" is just one framing. I'm asserting that we really do need to get away from things that encourage kids (and everyone) from taking everything so personally. We can all respond better to both positive and negative feedback when it isn't seen as a personal judgment. We need to go away from the entire emphasis that personal judgments are something to focus on.