Mindset Matters

One of the very first things I do whenever I start working with new students is show them this video from Jo Boaler at Stanford Graduate School of Education's YouCubed initiative. Boaler and her students share these four boosting messages from brain researchers:

1. Anyone can learn to high levels; there's no such thing as a smart person or a not smart person.

2. When you believe in yourself, your brain works more effectively.

3. Mistakes grow your brain, and struggle and challenge are really good for you.

4. It is not important to be fast; it is important to think deeply and creatively.

If you enjoy the messages in this video, check out the rest of the YouCubed site for more information as well as tasks you can do at home.