What is one effective way to provide feedback that promotes a growth mindset in students with special needs?

Highlighting specific strategies students can improve is an effective way to provide feedback that promotes a growth mindset, especially for students with special needs. This approach emphasizes that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning, which is the essence of a growth mindset. By focusing on specific strategies, educators can guide students on how to enhance their skills, encouraging them to engage in the learning process actively. This feedback not only validates their efforts but also sets clear, actionable steps that foster a sense of agency and ownership over their learning.

Moreover, this specific feedback reinforces the idea that making mistakes and encountering challenges is a vital part of learning and growth. When students understand what they can improve and how to go about it, they are more likely to adopt a positive attitude towards challenges and persist in the face of difficulty. In contrast, other approaches, such as emphasizing weaknesses, offering vague praise, or promoting competition, do not effectively cultivate the mindset necessary for resilience and continuous improvement in learning.