Fostering a STEAM Mindset Across Learning Settings

Developing a growth mindset has been identified as a key strategy for increasing youth achievement, motivation, and resiliency (Rattan et al. 2015). At its core, growth mindset describes the idea that one’s abilities can change through using new learning strategies and receiving appropriate mentoring (Dweck 2008). In contrast, a fixed mindset relates to the idea that ability is inherent and cannot be changed. We have taken up the concept of growth mindset and developed it specifically for the context of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), a growing area of focus in both in- and out-of-school learning. We think of STEAM as more than just adding art to STEM or STEM to art—instead, we view STEAM as an approach that involves deep integration of overlapping art and STEM practices. Combining STEAM and the concept of mindset is especially helpful for intentionally bringing recognized identity-building features of out-of-school environments into the classroom, such as a sense of playfulness, open-ended exploration, and personal relevance. In this article we discuss our rationale and process in developing the concept of a “STEAM mindset” and illustrate how it can support youth and educator learning. Built on the foundations of the growth mindset concept, a STEAM mindset further emphasizes the ideas of quieting the inner negative voice, engaging in self-compassion rather than judgement, and promoting creative practice, as described in the sections below.

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