Critical Thinking and Positive Mindset - The Basis of Students Success

Introduction

Carol Dweck describes how developing a positive mindset can specifically affect students in the classroom. Most people around the world do not truly know the meaning behind the decisions they make. People make impulse decisions with intentions of receiving a positive result, but if there is no thought process behind the decision being made, how can the result be successful? Decisions made with no thinking involved commonly end in failure, and failure is one of the biggest factors in becoming a critical thinker.

Failure and Critical Thinking

Failure can cause people to develop a poor mindset and get down on themselves, but critical thinkers know how to handle failure. Critical thinkers learn from their mistakes and do not let failure ruin their successes in the future. Moreover, open-mindedness can allow the brain to connect with actions people are performing. People can almost train their minds to get the results they want. For example, thinking politely can result in a more successful outcome. A positive mindset can be developed by anyone who has the desire to put forth the effort. Developing this positive mindset requires effort and can be achieved by training the brain. It starts by seeing things from other perspectives, thinking positively, and creating goals that do not limit any outlook in the future. All of these changes demonstrate how individuals have learned to think critically, which will create more successes in the future. Critical thinking causes people to effectively change their mindsets, which can potentially result in more success. Research has shown that students' mindsets play a huge role in their success, and students can change their mindset to achieve different results. Dweck (2006) interprets that students who believe they can become successful create more success in their lives than students who have a fixed mindset or do not necessarily believe they can develop their intelligence.

The Role of Teachers in Developing Mindsets

While students play a huge role in their mindset, teachers need to be an example of a positive mindset as well. Teachers need to take action in school districts to encourage students to adopt a growth mindset. To develop this growth mindset, teachers need to teach the students how to improve their intelligence and help them learn that it is possible to create more success. Once students feel that they have the ability to grow, they begin to think more positively, which ultimately allows the brain to create successful outcomes. Dweck also infers that instead of merely praising students for trying, teachers need to talk to the children and help them decide what did not work and what they can try in the future. This kind of constructive feedback helps students refine their strategies and approach problems more effectively.

Impact of Critical Thinking and Positive Mindset in Schools

Critical thinking and a positive mindset play a significant role throughout every school in the world. Not only students, but also teachers need to think more critically. As teachers start to think critically, they will begin to develop a more positive mindset, and they will also be a perfect example for the students. The students will learn from the teachers and begin to think critically as well. Once school districts create this well-structured program, students and teachers will achieve more of their goals and become more successful. Students will have the ability to excel in classes and increase test scores, and teachers will be more successful in teaching their students. Having successful students will help school districts to be seen as more successful, and schools altogether will become more well-rounded. A comprehensive approach that involves parents and the community can further strengthen this transformation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of a positive mindset and the ability to think critically are essential components of academic success. By fostering these skills, both students and teachers can significantly enhance their educational experiences and outcomes. This holistic approach to education not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the overall success and reputation of educational institutions.

References

• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.