This week, our Expert@Elmwood guest speaker, Vanessa Vakharia (also known as the Math Guru), shared strategies with students, teachers, and parents on how to foster a growth mindset in all areas of learning. This message is connected to the core principle of how mindset connects with confidence, as outlined in Dr. Carol Dweck’s research.
Educational pioneers like Dr. Carol Dweck and math guru Vanessa Vakharia agree that the secret to thriving in any subject, from Junior School literacy to Senior School calculus, isn't innate talent—it's mindset and confidence.
Dr. Dweck’s research on the growth mindset established the belief that intelligence and abilities are not fixed traits, but skills that can be actively developed through persistent effort and practical strategies. Vanessa Vakharia powerfully connects this to confidence, arguing that when students believe they can grow, their self-assurance soars, effectively dismantling anxiety and the fear of tackling tough problems. Students learn that struggle is simply the brain getting stronger. This framework is a practical call to action for students and parents across our school.
The Math Guru used personal anecdotes and experiences to remind our Grade 8, 9 and 10 students that the most powerful tool they have is their self-talk. Vakharia explained that “If you find yourself thinking, "I’m bad at this," switch your inner voice to 'I don't understand this yet." The simple word, yet, opens the door to possibility and gives students the freedom to try without fearing failure. Vakharia encouraged us to all be curious about mistakes; they are not signs of personal failure, but valuable clues pointing toward the next solution in the learning journey.
Vakharia advised students that when they face a challenging problem—whether it's deciphering historical texts or solving a complex equation—start by focusing on the process, not just the answer. Celebrate the effort you put in, seek out new strategies when you hit a wall, and remember that being confused is often the first step toward a breakthrough. Your resilience is the skill that truly drives your success.
At the parent session, Vakharia shared that the language you use at home is critical for fostering a Growth Mindset. To support this, move away from praising inherent traits ("You’re so smart at math!") and instead, focus on effort, persistence, and strategic thinking ("I admire how hard you worked on that essay, and how you reorganized your arguments!"). This teaches your child that success comes from they effort and learning involved in the process, not the mark they earn at the end of it.
Vanessa reminded parents that “When your child struggles, validate the difficulty of the task, then pivot: "That concept looks tough. What strategy did your teacher suggest, or what could we try next?" By modelling a healthy attitude toward struggle and viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning, you equip your child with the confidence and resilience needed to tackle any academic challenge.