Chapter 1: Neuroplasticity and Growth Mindset

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity is also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity. It is the neural networks’ ability to change and reorganize in the brain through learning and experience (Cunnington, 2019). The brain is never fixed or stagnant, but can grow and change (Cunnington, 2019).

Video: Neuroplasticity and Learning Explained

In the classroom or workplace, fostering intrinsic motivation by acknowledging and explaining that people can change their brains through learning; creating more hard-wired connections (Bernard, 2010).

Understanding that people can develop their brains and expand knowledge through learning and life experiences is the foundation of growth mindset.

Growth Mindset

There is growth mindset and fixed mindset; everyone has and utilizes both types of mindset (Murphy, 2024).

In Carol Dweck’s book “Mindset”, she discusses that the beliefs that we have about ourselves greatly impact our mindset; which can prevent a person from fulfilling their potential (Dweck, 2012).

Having a fixed mindset is to believe that intelligence, personality and moral character have a set amount or quality; which leads to a sense of urgency to continually prove what you think you have (Dweck, 2012). By contrast, having a growth mindset is to believe that the mixture of traits you are born with are merely a starting point; that you can develop basic qualities that are cultivated through effort. (Dweck, 2012).

Social Psychologist, Dr. Mary Murphy, outlines in her book “Cultures of Growth” particular moments that are mindset triggers for adults, shown in the images below. These mindset triggers can be aligned to similar situations that arise for children and adolescents.