One of the most powerful ideas in education is the growth mindset—the belief that skills and intelligence can improve with effort and practice. As tutors, we can help students develop this mindset, which boosts their confidence and success.
The term “growth mindset” was introduced by psychologist Carol Dweck. It is the opposite of a fixed mindset, where people believe their abilities are set and can’t change. Students with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges because they fear failure. But with a growth mindset, they see mistakes as chances to learn and get better.
In tutoring, helping students build a growth mindset starts with changing how they think about challenges. Instead of saying, “I’m bad at math,” they can say, “I haven’t figured it out yet.” That small word—”yet”—reminds them that learning takes time and effort.
Giving positive and helpful feedback is also important. Instead of just pointing out what’s wrong, tutors can turn mistakes into learning opportunities. For example, if a student struggles with essay writing, instead of saying, “This is incorrect,” a tutor might say, “This is a great start. Let’s work on making your argument stronger.” This approach builds confidence and encourages students to keep improving.
Setting small, achievable goals is another way to reinforce a growth mindset. When students see progress, even in small steps, they feel motivated to keep going. Celebrating their improvements, no matter how small, helps them believe in their ability to grow.
A growth mindset teaches students that effort leads to progress. As tutors, we don’t just help students with school subjects—we help them believe in themselves. This lesson goes beyond academics and prepares them for lifelong learning and success.

Kassandra Pegios