Fostering a growth mindset in higher education for inclusive learning for all

Authors

  • Frantzeska Kolyda University of Westminster

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi27.929

Keywords:

growth mindset, equality, diversity and inclusion, STEM, higher education (HE)

Abstract

This article aims to encourage educators and universities to explore interventions and practices that cultivate a growth mindset to reduce inequality in the academic success of students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds and ethnic or other minorities, especially in STEM. Universities invest significantly in closing the achievement gap, particularly for such students. Disadvantaged students who have excelled academically are often labelled ‘gifted’. However, this label may emphasise the importance of students’ innate abilities over cognitive ones. Furthermore, it may foster fear of failure and lead to avoidance of challenges and lack of efforts, concealing the lack of understanding to retain the ‘gifted’ image, and create significant barriers to learning. As student diversity increases, pedagogical approaches must evolve accordingly. This article investigates ways to inspire students to remain motivated about their STEM subject and discusses ways to cultivate a growth mindset, factors influencing students’ mindsets, recent criticisms of the growth mindset approach, and the role of learning development in fostering a growth mindset. When faculty and students embrace the idea that intellectual abilities can grow through diligence, determination, and correct strategies, they can transform how educators approach learning and help shift the focus away from content delivery to active and transformative learning.

 

Author Biography

Frantzeska Kolyda, University of Westminster

Frantzeska Kolyda is a Senior Lecturer and EDI School Co-Lead at the University of Westminster, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and a Senior Fellow of Advance HE. She has extensive academic and industry experience, including 11 years working for the BBC. She has expertise in Human Computer Interaction, User Experience, Educational Technology. and Education Research. She has been involved in the design and development of several (UG/PG/CPD) programmes, pedagogical initiatives, and successful interdisciplinary projects across the university. She has previously worked as an Academic Professional Development Fellow in the Centre for Education and Teaching Innovation at the University of Westminster.

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Published

27-04-2023

How to Cite

Kolyda, F. (2023) “Fostering a growth mindset in higher education for inclusive learning for all”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (27). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.vi27.929.

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Section

Opinion Pieces