How can assessments foster a growth mindset in students?

Fostering a growth mindset in students is largely about nurturing the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and constructive feedback. Highlighting learning progress and effort is crucial because it encourages students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as threats to their self-worth. When assessments emphasize personal progress, they help students understand that improvement and skill development take time and that failure can be a part of the learning process. This focus shifts the perception of assessments from a mere evaluation of performance to a tool for self-reflection and growth. Students learn to celebrate their efforts and see setbacks as vital steps toward achieving their goals, reinforcing a lifelong love of learning and resilience.