Kolyda, F. 2023. Fostering a Growth Mindset to Reduce Inequality in Higher Education - Three Key Actions for Universities to Consider. Westminster Learning and Teaching Symposium 2023: Better Than the Real Thing? Exploring Education Futures at the University of Westminster. University of Westminster 04 Sep 2023 University of Westminster.
| Title | Fostering a Growth Mindset to Reduce Inequality in Higher Education - Three Key Actions for Universities to Consider |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kolyda, F. |
| Type | Conference poster |
| Abstract | Students’ own beliefs in their own competence, intelligence and skills play an important role in their learning experience, engagement and performance and in the way they experience setbacks. Therefore, understanding how students develop their mindsets, particularly during university studies, is important. Disadvantaged students, when they excel and manage to secure a place at university, despite all the barriers and challenges they have faced, are often labelled ‘gifted’. However, ‘gifted’ implies effortless achievement, which is inextricably linked to the view that intelligence is not malleable and, hence, that people who make an extra effort are deficient. Such labels emphasise the importance of innate over cognitive ability in students, may foster a fear of failure and may lead to students avoiding challenges and as a result, create significant barriers to learning. Professor Carol Dweck (Stanford University) looked at the origins of the mindsets that people adopt, their role in motivation and self-regulation, and their impact on achievement. People with a fixed mindset approach believe that their intellectual abilities are fixed, while those with a growth mindset approach believe that abilities can be developed. This poster presents three key actions universities may consider fostering a growth mindset to reduce inequality in academic success between advantaged and disadvantaged students. |
| Keywords | Growth Mindset, Equality Diversity and Inclusion, EDI, STEM, Higher EducationAuthentic Learning, Transformative Learning, Experiential Learning, Innovative Learning and Teaching, Innovation in Education, Graduate Skills, Student Experience |
| Year | 2023 |
| Conference | Westminster Learning and Teaching Symposium 2023: Better Than the Real Thing? Exploring Education Futures at the University of Westminster |
| Publisher | University of Westminster |