Ability is Expandable
Recommended Practice: Teach students that the brain grows when they practice and learn new material.
- Overview & Tools: Video overviews and professional development materials
- Learn What Works: Expert interviews about how ability is expandable
- See How It Works: Videos and sample materials from schools
Ability Is Expandable
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Overview & Tools
Learn about the importance of helping students realize that improving and expanding their academic abilities leads to success in math, science, as well as other subjects. This overview presents a...
Resource Type
Overview
The Growth Mindset (Part 2)
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Learn What Works
Dr. Carol Dweck describes how teachers can help girls develop a “growth” mindset. Related Files: The Growth Mindset (Part 1) (Video)
Resource Type
Expert Interview
The Growth Mindset (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Learn What Works
Dr. Carol Dweck describes the “growth” versus “fixed” mindset and implications for girls learning math and science. Related Files: The Growth Mindset (Part 2) (Video)
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Instilling Confidence
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > See How It Works
A high school associate principal discusses strategies to encourage girls in science classrooms. This interview highlights the need to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their...
Resource Type
School Example
Helping Students Learn From Mistakes
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > See How It Works
An elementary school math teacher describes a schoolwide effort to teach students that they can expand their abilities through hard work and effort. The schoolwide approach entails professional...
Resource Type
School Example
Classroom Reading: You Can Grow Your Intelligence
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > See How It Works
This classroom reading used at Green Valley Elementary School summarizes the research evidence supporting the claim that the brain can develop and change throughout life. Related Files: Green...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Two Mindsets
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > See How It Works
Nigel Holmes designed this diagram, based on the research of Carol Dweck, to describe how students with growth and fixed mindsets may respond to challenges, successes, failure, and criticism in...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Teaching About Brain Plasticity
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Overview & Tools
Use the suggested classroom activities in this tool to teach students about the brain’s ability to grow in response to enrichment and practice activities. Related Files: You Can Grow Your...
Resource Type
Tool
Learning Together About Academic Abilities (Part 2)
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Overview & Tools
Convene a follow-up in-service session about how to teach students that abilities are expandable using these suggested activities. Related Media and Files: Learning Together About Academic...
Resource Type
Tool
Teacher Self-Reflection: Teach Ability Is Expandable
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Overview & Tools
Use this self-reflection worksheet to guide teachers’ understanding of messages and instructional strategies that may affect students’ beliefs about their abilities in math and science.
Resource Type
Tool
Learning Together About Academic Abilities (Part 1)
Girls in Math & Science > Ability is Expandable > Overview & Tools
Convene a school in-service session about how teachers can help students develop accurate and positive perceptions of math and science abilities using these suggested activities. Related Media and...
Resource Type
Tool
