Growing Growth: How Teachers and School Culture
Shape Student's Mindsets and Character Strengths
Presented by Dr. Lilya Jiang
How do students come to see themselves as capable of growth and develop the character strengths that help them navigate challenges, relationships, and opportunities? Research on growth mindsets and character strengths has increasingly shifted attention from individual characteristics to the interactions between individual characteristics and relational and ecological contexts that cultivate positive development. In this talk, Dr. Jiang will review research advancements on growth-related mindsets and character strengths in youth, with a focus on the roles of teachers, classroom culture, and broader school contexts in the development of these strengths. The talk will highlight emerging evidence suggesting that effective mindset and strengths-based practices are most meaningful when embedded within authentic, supportive relationships and broader classroom cultures rather than delivered as stand-alone lessons or curriculum. When educators intentionally create environments that communicate growth, recognize strengths, and foster supportive relationships, these practices may benefit not only students but also student-teacher relationships, teachers’ sense of purpose and well-being, and their capacity to have a lasting influence on young people. The talk will then translate research into action at multiple levels of the school system. Teachers will learn practical strategies they can incorporate into everyday instruction and interactions. School psychologists, counselors, and other support personnel will learn about how they can work alongside teachers to reinforce these practices through consultation, professional learning, student support, and collaborative problem-solving. At the systems level, administrators can examine how school policies, professional development, recognition practices, instructional expectations, and organizational culture communicate values of and structural support for growth and strengths.
Objectives:
1.Describe current research on growth-related mindsets and character strengths in youth, including the roles of teacher–student relationships, classroom culture, and broader school contexts in fostering positive youth development
2. Identify evidence-informed, relationship-centered strategies that teachers can
integrate into everyday instruction, mentoring, social-emotional learning, and daily interactions to cultivate students’ growth mindsets and character strengths.
3.Identify ways that school psychologists, counselors, support personnel, and
administrators can collaborate with teachers and strengthen school-level systems to support students’ growth and strengths development.
NASP Domain:
Domain 2-Consultation and Collaboration
Domain 4-Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Interventions
Domain 5-School-Wide Practices to Promote Learning
Domain 6-Services to Promote Safe and Supportive Schools
Domain 8-Equitable Practices for Diverse Student Populations
