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Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset: the philosophy maintained by individuals who believe their talents can be developed through hard work, good strategies, and input from others.

In the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck challenges educators to implement a growth mindset in and out of the classroom, which will lead to student success and a lifetime of learning. That’s exactly the philosophy that St. Ursula Academy embraces; it mirrors our Core Value of Openness to Change and complements our perspective on endless possibilities for the future. 

At SUA, a “growth mindset” is permeating every bit of the classroom experience. When students incorporate skills such as hard work, sound strategies, and input from others into their daily lessons and overall learning techniques, they expand their ability to absorb concepts. They worry less about “looking smart” and concentrate more on actual learning. Ultimately, then, they do perform better, eagerly persevere through challenges, and reflect on their learning.

By helping our students change the way they think about learning, we also help them change the way they act

Reflecting on learning and analyzing errors in assignments helps students strengthen the connections in their brains and increase their understanding of a subject.

Our faculty members reinforce the growth mindset message by asking students many questions:

“What did you learn today?”
“What mistakes ended up teaching you something?”
“What did you really try hard at today?”

This realistic approach to classroom learning is the foundation for a lifetime of educational experiences.

Outside of the classroom, we see the growth mindset at work, as well. Students who embrace this idea take up a new sport, join a club that challenges them, or simply sit with someone new at lunch. They want new experiences and are not afraid to stumble. They know that growth comes from challenges, and they welcome the opportunity to fail...or fly.

The Growth Mindset concept is yet another innovative way St. Ursula Academy focuses on both academic excellence in the classroom and as preparation for life.