Abstract
Since publication in 2006, noted Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on mindset has influenced P-12 curriculum and instruction, helping pre-school, elementary and secondary educators create learning environments that help children and adolescents achieve more rigorous learning outcomes. This essay poses the question of whether it should create an equal impact on higher education, and, more specifically, on Christian teacher preparation programs. The article first reviews the differences between fixed and growth mindsets, misconceptions of the two, and how the two models affect learning at all levels. The essay then gives five scripturally grounded reasons for encouraging a growth mindset in Christian higher education as well as reasons why fixed mindset often prevails. Finally, the author offers three strategies for modeling growth mindset in teacher preparation programs, using examples from Christ’s own teaching that reflect characteristics of growth mindset teaching as well as specific classroom examples from one Christian teacher preparation program.
Recommended Citation
Lederhouse, J. (2020). Growth Mindset and the Gospel Community. International Christian Community of Teacher Educators Journal, 15(1).