Lesson 2.6:
Building Your Academic Mindset

1. Growth- vs fixed-mindset

Why a growth mindset matters in college

• It allows for mistakes. College can oftentimes feel intimidating when you’re meeting professors and veteran experts in your field. It’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. A growth mindset helps you be kinder to yourself when you make mistakes because you know that mistakes and failures are inevitable on the path to success.

• It makes you resilient. A growth mindset helps you see missteps and failed tests as part of the learning process. The road to success is long with many twists and turns. A growth mindset reframes mistakes and failures as learning opportunities, helping you to learn from the mistake going forward.

• It improves academic performance: A growth mindset can help students approach learning with a more positive attitude and an eagerness to learn. This can lead to improved academic performance, since you are more likely to engage in effective study strategies, seek out help when needed, and persist through difficult coursework.

• It helps your personal development: College is not only about academic learning and success, but about personal development. A fixed mindset encourages individuals to stick to what they know and to not try something new, for fear of failing. Students with a growth mindset tend to be more open to new experiences, ideas, people, and perspectives, which helps them grow as individuals.

• It increases creativity and innovation: Students with a growth mindset are more likely to approach problems and challenges with an open mind, rather than seeing them as fixed and unchangeable.

2. Self advocacy and reaching out to Disability Services

Knowing how to advocate for yourself and your needs goes hand-in-hand with having a growth mindset. Since setbacks are a necessary part of any journey, learning how to communicate your needs is others is an essential skill. Here is how to build it:

• Understand your needs: The first step in self-advocacy is understanding your needs. This means taking the time to reflect on what you need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally in college. This can include things like requesting accommodations for a disability, an extension on an assignment due date, or support for mental health concerns.

• Communicate your needs: Once you have identified your needs, the next step is to communicate them clearly and effectively to the appropriate people. This may include professors, academic advisors, disability services staff, or counseling services staff.

• Practice assertiveness: Self-advocacy requires assertiveness, which can be challenging for some people. Practice speaking up for yourself in small ways, such as asking a question in class or requesting clarification on an assignment. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually work your way up to more challenging situations.

• Build a support network: A support network can include friends, family, mentors, or campus resources such as student organizations or counseling services. Seek out people who can help you navigate challenges and provide encouragement and support.

• Take responsibility: Self-advocacy also requires taking responsibility for your own success. This means being proactive in seeking out resources and support, following through on commitments, and taking ownership of your own learning and development.

• Reflect on your progress: Finally, take time to reflect on your progress and celebrate your successes. Recognize the progress you have made and identify areas where you can continue to grow and develop your self-advocacy skills.

If you feel like you need help or accommodation in one of your classes, you can always contact your college or university’s disability/accessibility services unit to determine if you qualify and what options are available. This department can help:

1. Review disability documentation

2. Provide accommodations

3. Facilitate communication between you and your professor

4. Provide extra support and resources