Product Video Demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWSP4B83ntw&feature=youtu.be

ED/IES SBIR Success Story: https://ies.ed.gov/sbir/mindsetworks.asp

Purpose: Although research shows that a "growth mindset" — the belief that intelligence can be developed through effort and learning how to learn — increases student motivation and academic achievement, few classroom or school-wide interventions are available in this area. This project team developed a Growth Mindset Learning Platform that they call Mindset Works to support students and educators in developing and sustaining a culture of growth and success in classrooms and schools.

Project Activities: The project team iteratively developed a multimedia online platform based on an existing interactive software program, Brainology. Focus groups provided data to develop the content and mockups of each of the components, including video clips, animations, and web-based activities. Next, the web-based platform to house the activities and the social networking component were prototyped and refined based on user feedback through focus groups and surveys. After the prototype was finalized, the project team conducted a pilot study in four classrooms in four high schools to examine usage, engagement, and the promise of the intervention to enhance teachers' and students' mindset-related beliefs and goals.

Products: The Mindset Works growth mindset learning platform is a social and behavioral intervention to strengthen students' ability to succeed in school and life. The platform includes: four 35-minute modules for students; six 20-minute modules for teachers; a toolkit with resources such as animations, videos, and activities; professional development webinars; and a social networking website so educators can share questions, experiences, ideas, tools, and strategies with colleagues and experts in the field. Themes focus on teaching students about how the brain learns and changes with effort, and how to use effective study skills to increase learning. The professional development applications address how to apply instructional supports to develop and sustain a growth mindset in students in secondary school settings.

Related IES Projects: Efficacy of a Growth Mindset Intervention to Increase Student Success (R305A150142)