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February'25
A new teacher using an online teaching platform soon noticed that some students avoided challenges, gave up easily, and feared making mistakes. The question arose: How can they develop confidence and resilience?
Similarly, a coach working with young athletes observed that they struggled in bouncing back after losses. Many believed talent was fixed—either they had it or they didn’t. A shift in perspective was necessary.
The power of a growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, shifts how people think about effort and failure, which transforms their potential. With the flexibility and accessibility of an online teaching platform, online teachers can seamlessly integrate strategies that nurture resilience and perseverance in learners.
What is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence, abilities, and skills can be developed through effort, perseverance, and learning. In contrast, a fixed mindset assumes that talents and intelligence are static traits.
When online teachers and coaches foster a growth mindset, they create an environment where their students embrace challenges, persist through setbacks, and view failure as a steppingstone to success.
Tips to Cultivate a Growth Mindset
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Praise Effort, Not Just Talent
Instead of saying, “You’re so smart!” or “You’re a natural athlete!”, focus on effort:
“I love how you kept trying different strategies until you solved it.”
“Your dedication to practice is really paying off.”
This teaches students that success comes from persistence, not just innate ability. An online teaching platform allows educators to track student progress and provide personalized feedback that reinforces effort-based praise.
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Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
An online teacher changed their classroom approach, so when students made errors, they heard, “Mistakes help us grow.” Stories of famous figures—like Michael Jordan, who missed thousands of shots before becoming a legend—were shared. With an online teaching platform, interactive tools like discussion forums and feedback loops can help students view mistakes as valuable learning experiences.
Similarly, the coach encouraged athletes to analyze their losses. Instead of dwelling on failure, they were asked, “What can we learn from this game?” This shifted the focus from shame to self-improvement.
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Use the Power of ‘Yet’
When a student says, “I can’t do this,” add the word yet:
“You haven’t mastered this yet but keep practicing.”
This simple shift fosters resilience and keeps students motivated. Online teachers on platforms like Takelessons can incorporate growth mindset language in virtual classrooms to ensure students stay encouraged and committed to progress.
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Set Process-Oriented Goals
Rather than focusing solely on outcomes like grades or wins, emphasize growth.
Instead of “I need to get an A,” encourage “I want to improve my problem-solving skills.”
Instead of “I need to win this match,” focus on “I want to improve my passing accuracy.”
An online teaching platform enables educators to set personalized, process-oriented goals and track students’ growth effectively.
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Create a Safe Environment for Challenges
Fear of failure often holds students back. A teacher implemented a “risk-taking board” where students shared something they tried but didn’t succeed at—yet. It turned failure into a celebrated learning experience.
The coach introduced “challenge drills,” where athletes attempted difficult techniques with no fear of consequences. This boosted confidence and willingness to take risks. Online teachers can leverage discussion boards and peer collaboration tools to create a supportive learning atmosphere where students feel safe exploring new challenges.
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Model a Growth Mindset Yourself
Students and athletes mirror their mentors. If they hear, “I’m not good at technology” or “I’ll never be able to do that,” they’ll adopt similar beliefs. Instead, model persistence:
“I’m learning this new strategy, and it’s tough, but I’ll get better with practice.”
With the support of an online teaching platform, educators can share their own learning journeys, demonstrating perseverance and adaptability in a digital space.
The Long-Term Impact:
Over time, the teacher noticed a shift—students became more engaged, willing to participate, and less afraid of failure. The coach saw athletes pushing themselves harder, celebrating progress rather than just victories.
When online teachers and coaches embed a growth mindset into their teaching and training, they empower individuals to thrive not just in school or sports but in life. An online teaching platform provides the perfect environment for reinforcing these principles and guiding students toward continuous improvement. After all, success isn’t about the end goal—it’s about how much you’re willing to grow.
Final Thought
As an educator or coach, your words and actions shape young minds. Encourage curiosity, resilience, and the belief that abilities can always improve. The more you nurture a growth mindset, the more you’ll help students and athletes unlock their true potential.
By integrating Wondrly's insights, educators and coaches can further enhance their impact, guiding learners toward continuous improvement and success. Our resources support your success, whether transitioning from TakeLessons or maximizing online teaching platforms.
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