How Inquiry Pedagogy Enables Teachers to Facilitate Growth Mindsets in Mathematics Classrooms

Abstract

Growth mindsets are vital for effective lifelong learning. Students with growth mindsets are more willing to learn new things, take risks, and embrace challenges. Students with fixed mindsets have limiting beliefs about their abilities, and will attribute success in learning to factors beyond their control. Inquiry in mathematics classrooms may have the potential to facilitate growth mindsets. This paper provides an analysis of inquiry mathematics in a primary classroom and reflects upon its potential to foster growth mindsets in classrooms.