Dweck and Willingham

• main point: fixed mindset and growth mindset
• Fixed mindset?

  * see intelligence as fixed

  * avoid challenges bc scared to fail

  * being wrong or getting feedback is seen as negative bc focuses on limitations
• growth mindset?

  * believe intelligence can be developed

  * take on challenges as see failure as part of learning

  * getting things wrong and feedback are both seen as positive
• Dweck didn't believe we only have one, but that we have one for each area in our life - eg fixed mindset for math but growth for football
• believed mindsets aren't permanent, so theory is labelled as learning theory
• research showed that praise on intelligence/talent has negative effect on children's self esteem and reinforces fixed mindset
• argues praise should recognise effort and persistence to help achieve growth mindset
• Willingham argued 'learning styles' don't exist, though children might express preference for one
• Willingham says it's most important to give children understanding as well as knowledge; it doesn't have to be personalised
• Criticisms:

  * both focus on nurture over nature

  * both could be over-generalising

  * both have mixed evidence to support them