The Importance of a Growth Mindset for the Well-Being of Children at Early School Age
Abstract
The aim of this article is to demonstrate the importance of a “growth mindset” for the well-being of children at early school age. It is indicated that the formation of beliefs in children that foster perseverance, self-motivation and a constructive approach to failure is important for their emotional and social functioning. The theoretical basis is the concept of growth mindset by Carol S. Dweck.
The results of author’s own research among pupils in grades I–III (N = 220) are also presented, which reveal a tendency for growth mindset to decline with the subsequent years of children’s schooling.
The article also presents a project entitled “Mógoki – How to work with children on perseverance”, which supports teachers in developing perseverance, coping skills, and motivation to learn in children.
The conclusions emphasise the importance of informed support from adults – teachers and parents – in developing a growth mindset in children. Recommendations for educational practice include the use of constructive feedback, promoting the value of effort and creating an environment conducive to learning through mistakes and challenges, which is crucial for children’s mental wellbeing.
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