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#13 Tier 1Tier 2

Growth Mindset & Iteration

Goal: Today we'll explore how a growth mindset and iteration help us learn from mistakes instead of avoiding them. Every failure is data for the next version of success.

After This Lesson You’ll Be Able To

  • Tier 1: Define growth mindset and explain how feedback helps improvement.
  • Tier 2: Use iteration—making small changes—to strengthen projects and skills over time.

1. Kick-Off (2-3 min)

Prompt: Think of something you weren’t good at at first but got better at. What changed?

Goal: Illustrate that skills improve through effort and adjustment, not instant success.

2. Core Concepts (5-7 min)

ConceptWhat It MeansPractice Moves
Growth MindsetThe belief that abilities can improve with effort and learning.Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can’t do this yet.”
Fixed MindsetThe belief that skills are permanent and can’t change.Recognize and challenge limiting thoughts.
IterationRepeated cycles of testing and refining work.Make, test, reflect, and adjust.
Feedback LoopUsing feedback to improve future performance.Ask “What worked?” and “What will I do next?”

Mini Demo: Instructor shares early drafts of a project and its improved version. Discuss how iteration—not perfection—built progress.

3. Guided Work Time (12-15 min)

Tier 1 — “From Version 1 to Version 2”

  • Students work individually or in pairs.
  • Instructor gives a short creative prompt, such as:
  • Write a one-sentence school slogan.
  • Draw a quick logo for a new club.
  • Compose a short thank-you email to a teacher.
  • Step 1 (3 min): Create the first draft (“Version 1”).
  • Step 2 (3 min): Exchange work with a partner and give one helpful suggestion (“Make it clearer,” “Add color,” “Use stronger words”).
  • Step 3 (3 min): Revise once to make a “Version 2.”
  • Step 4 (2 min): Share before/after results with the class.

Revised Tier 2 — “Feedback Sprint” (Action-Based Version)

  • Students form small teams (3-4 members).
  • Each team is given a short creative or problem-solving task — for example:
  • Design a simple poster for an imaginary school event.
  • Write a 4-sentence product description for a new invention.
  • Sketch a quick layout for an app or website homepage.
  • Round 1 (5 minutes): Create the first version quickly (“Version 1”).
  • Round 2 (5 minutes): Exchange drafts with another team and provide one clear piece of actionable feedback (e.g., “Add a clearer headline” or “Simplify the layout”).
  • Round 3 (5 minutes): Revise based on that feedback to create “Version 2.”
  • Debrief as a class: “What improved in Version 2?” “What made the feedback useful?”

4. Reflection (2-3 min)

Exit Ticket (Schoology or Paper):

  • What does it mean to “fail forward”?
  • How can iteration make your work stronger over time?