Growth mindset graduates

Clare Kelly, Hazel McCartney, Ross McKillopp, Eddie Alexander and Kim Kalotka, are five of just 112 education professionals to gain the qualification in Applied Growth Mindset from Glasgow Caledonian University. They completed a 12-month blended learning programme as part of the Mindset in Education programme delivered by the charity, Winning Scotland Foundation.

‘Growth mindset’ is a psychological term devised by Professor Carol Dweck of Stanford University. She said: “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work - brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

The learning programme helped our teachers to understand how to integrate growth mindset practice into their day to day teaching. Having a growth mindset in school helps young people approach tasks with the intention to try their hardest, learn from mistakes, develop strategies to solve problems and to persevere when faced with challenges.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning said: “I am very pleased that five of our teachers are among the first in Scotland to achieve this important qualification. A growth mindset is crucial to successful learning and attainment and scientific evidence shows that by teaching children and young people that mistakes are positive, it can help them achieve their potential and be more confident learners.

“I would like to thank Clare Kelly, Hazel McCartney, Ross McKillopp, Eddie Alexander and Kim Kalotka, for their commitment to continuous learning and professional development, which will have significant benefits for our children and young people.”