Mindset

Dweck's book is required reading for my residency program (one month exactly till day!!). The premise is that a person's perspective on intellect drives the way engage life. We all ascribe to one of two beliefs:
a) Fixed mindset - intellect is static. You're born with certain strengths and will succeed in a particular area -- say the arts -- because of your natural talent. Forget about effort and hard work; either you got it or you don't.
b) Growth mindset - intellect is dynamic. Excellence and mastery are the product of committed effort. Natural talent maybe a starting point, but intellect must be cultivated.

The implications for the classroom are vast. Fixed mindset learners shy away from challenges, afraid that failure or mistakes define them as a person. Growth mindset learners will welcome challenges as an opportunity to develop skill and discover new insight. I've only read a few excerpts so far, but Dweck's stuff is powerful.