Mindset, learning styles and learning theories

Dweck's mindset theory

• Dweck said people have either a fixed mindset (believing ability can't change) or a growth mindset (believing ability can improve with effort).
• People with a growth mindset see mistakes as chances to learn, and try harder when things are difficult.
• Praising effort ("you worked hard") rather than ability ("you're clever") encourages a growth mindset.

Learning styles

• The learning styles idea says people learn best in a preferred way: verbalisers (words), visualisers (pictures) and kinaesthetic learners (doing).
• Many psychologists criticise this: there is little evidence that teaching to a preferred style improves learning.

Willingham's learning theory

• Willingham argued that teaching should match the content, not a student's supposed learning style: for example, maps are best learned visually.
• He said practice and effort matter more than style, and that knowledge is needed to think well.

Applying these ideas

• Encourage effort and resilience; give specific feedback; practise regularly; use the best method for the topic.

Key terms

Fixed mindset

Believing ability can't change.

Growth mindset

Believing ability can improve with effort.

Learning styles

The idea that people learn best in a preferred way.

Verbaliser

A person said to learn best through words.

Visualiser

A person said to learn best through pictures.

Kinaesthetic learner

A person said to learn best by doing.

Praise for effort

Praising hard work rather than natural ability.