In this video Jo Boaler discusses that recent research shows that brains are plastic and changeable. This research is contrary to what people have believed about brains in the past. The research shows that when people learn something the structure of their brains changes quickly. Therefore, Boaler argues that anyone can succeed in any subject especially in mathematics. She argues that we need to stop the labels of smart and not-smart because research contradicts those myths. Boaler brings up a point that people fall into two categories: fixed mindset or growth mindset. People that have a fixed mindset believe that intelligence is fixed and cannot be changed and people that have a growth mindset believe that one can get smarter as long as they are learning. Boaler discusses that people can change from having a fixed mindset to have a growth mindset.
Therefore, we as educators need to consider that some of our students may have a fixed mindset and do not believe they are smart or ever will be. We need to teach those students to understand that they can indeed be as intelligent as any other person in this world. When we come up with our curriculum we need to consider that students may struggle, but that we have to help them persevere in order to develop that growth mindset. For some reason, it seems that individuals have a fixed mindset about math more than any other subject. I often hear people say, “I’m just not a math person.” Boaler’s philosophy is aligned with what I believe in education. I strive to teach my students to have a growth mindset so that they can all be successful individuals in whatever field they decide to pursue.
Therefore, we as educators need to consider that some of our students may have a fixed mindset and do not believe they are smart or ever will be. We need to teach those students to understand that they can indeed be as intelligent as any other person in this world. When we come up with our curriculum we need to consider that students may struggle, but that we have to help them persevere in order to develop that growth mindset. For some reason, it seems that individuals have a fixed mindset about math more than any other subject. I often hear people say, “I’m just not a math person.” Boaler’s philosophy is aligned with what I believe in education. I strive to teach my students to have a growth mindset so that they can all be successful individuals in whatever field they decide to pursue.