Here we have some examples of tools that can be used in schools that can contribute to improved attainment.

The challenge-o-meter (ppt), developed in Guernsey, helps children and adults to understand levels of, and reactions to, challenge. Embracing challenge is a key aspect of having a growth mindset. Take a  look at these lesson plans to introduce the challenge-o-meter in the classroom:

• challenge-o-meter lesson plan for primary schools (doc)
• challenge-o-meter lesson plan for secondary schools (doc)

Although challenge is needed for growth, it can lead to feelings of helplessness and wanting to give up. This feeling has been described as being in the ‘learning pit’ (web). We have learning pit lesson plan (doc) to complete with children or young people on strategies to get out of the learning pit and make progress.

Growth mindset can help attainment in all school subjects, and Jo Boaler, Stanford University has shown in great detail how a growth mindset approach can be used to help students overcome a fixed mindset towards numeracy.  Her website contains a wealth of mathematical ideas and resources.

You may also find these growth mindset and attainment slides (ppt) useful.