Insights

In 2006, Stanford professor Dr. Carol Dweck introduced a new concept: fixed vs. growth mindsets. The idea was based on decades of research by her and her colleagues, and was the focus of her best-selling book, “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.” 

The research showed that students with a fixed mindset — the belief that intelligence and abilities cannot be changed — are unable to imagine mastering a difficult skill or complex ideas over time. As such, they tend to avoid situations where they’re likely to face failure. On the other hand, students with a growth mindset — the belief that their capacities can improve with effort — are more likely to take risks and work outside their comfort zone.

The implications of these unique mindsets in the world of education were profound. For students to embrace difficult work, we need to help them see challenges as part of the process, rather than something to avoid, by creating environments where students feel safe enough to take risks, embrace struggle, and are unfazed by setbacks.

In recent years, the world of education technology has advanced exponentially, and is now able to play a powerful role in encouraging and supporting a growth mindset, both for students and educators.

The Right Level of Challenge and the Benefit of Privacy

Developing a growth mindset in students doesn’t mean subjecting them to an unending series of grueling tasks. They learn best when the challenges handed to them fit the Goldilocks principle — not too hard that they give up, and not too easy that they get bored. Russian psychologist Vygotsky called this phenomenon “the zone of proximal development,” where students are met with just the right amount of challenge for their developmental needs. 

However, the average classroom has students with different learning styles, readiness levels, and social-emotional needs, making it difficult to identify each student’s zone of proximal development in real time. Even in a one-on-one instructional setting, this identification can be difficult. 

Fortunately, learning software, with the support of AI and other new technologies, can make this process easier by continually adjusting learning paths to each student's individual needs. Additionally, the privacy that comes with these learning technologies allow students to take risks, make mistakes, and try again without the fear of embarrassing themselves in front of their peers.

A Growth Mindset for Teachers

Learning isn’t done in a vacuum — students interact with each other and with their teachers throughout the entire process. And, while students need access to the correct tools to succeed, providing teachers with the knowledge and skills to support students in their learning is just as important. 

At Lexia, we know that teachers, like students, excel when they have access to timely feedback and relevant data. That’s why we’ve invested in professional development and coaching resources to help teachers and educators develop their own growth mindset, helping them deepen their understanding of the science of reading, reflect on instructional strategies, and embrace continuous learning.

Lexia’s Approach: Supporting Teachers and Students

Lexia’s suite of products and services were created with the sole purpose of supporting teachers and students. For 40 years, we’ve thought about how technology can support students’ growth mindset, first on a small scale and then, once technology became a more mainstream part of the education process, on a global scale. 

We see technology as an amplifier for classrooms, not a replacement for teachers. Our products and services provide students with the monitoring and learning path adjustments necessary to keep them in the zone of proximal development, all while leaving an opening for teacher support whenever it’s needed. 

As technology continues to change, we’re regularly finding new ways to innovate our processes to drive student performance. 

The Future of Learning

When the idea of growth mindsets were initially introduced, educators were able to shift how they thought about learning. Now, with the invention and continual innovation of technology, educators are able to change how to support that mindset. 

Education technology empowers teachers with the data and insights they need to better tailor instruction and provide the right balance of challenge and support for every student. With the help of AI, these tools will continue to expand in classrooms, deepening personalization and improving learning outcomes for all students.

We envision this classroom support leading to a future of learning where students feel even safer taking risks, where teachers feel equipped to guide them, and where both meet every challenge confident that growth is possible. 

Learn how Lexia combines adaptive technology with teacher support to foster students’ growth mindsets.