I've been meaning to write a blog on this topic for a while, as I think it's incredibly relevant to language learning. Recently, in our weekly 'Designing Growth' meeting, my friend and colleague Georgina inspired me to write it immediately.
She asked the question "Can anyone be creative?". There was a mixture of responses, with some people believing that not everyone can be creative successfully. Georgina then took us on an interactive journey to the realisation that of course everyone has the ability to be creative in their own way, creativity is everywhere, it's a part of us.
This reminded me of another question…
This may sound like a silly question, but growing up in the UK you'll often hear people say 'I'm bad at languages' or 'I can't learn a language'. As if the skill we use with our mother tongue isn't a language, it's just something we can do, with no connection to it or why we can do it. I was one of those people before I started learning German and Spanish.
I think we are strangely detached from language learning compared to non-native English speakers, who often feel more pressure to learn a second language - English - because it is a 'global language'. We see it as a challenging skill that is difficult to achieve. When we go abroad and meet people who speak 2,3,4 languages, we are very impressed by that one friend in the group who can somehow magically speak another language.
I have a question for you...
Exactly!
To learn your own language, you must be able to learn any other language. So why do we have these limiting self-beliefs?
I realised there is one crucial factor - a fixed mindset
A fixed mindset (also known as a static mindset) is the belief that a person's abilities, intelligence and talents are fixed characteristics. In this mindset, individuals perceive their abilities as inherent and unchangeable, which can limit their growth and learning. It discourages us from taking risks or trying new things for fear of failure or of not being 'naturally' good at something.
Sound familiar?
This is one half of a concept developed by psychologist Dr Carol Dweck after studying young people's attitudes to failure. This mindset can limit growth and learning because it discourages taking risks or trying new things for fear of failure or not being 'naturally' good at something. I think this is a big reason why so many people in the UK, and perhaps other English-speaking countries, don't pursue learning a second language, along with the lack of pressure to do so.
Answer: a growth mindset.
A growth mindset is the belief that skills and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work and perseverance. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as insurmountable obstacles. They tend to embrace learning, persevere through difficulties, learn from criticism, and find inspiration in the successes of others. This mindset fosters a love of learning and resilience, which are essential for success in learning a skill.
This applies so aptly to language learning. It embodies everything you need to succeed.
When I discovered this concept my whole perception of learning changed, with language learning in particular, being a teacher and a learner. It filled me with joy, light, and life knowing that if I can become more self-aware and develop and nourish my mindset, I can learn any language I want to. All I need is to embrace the learning process.
That’s another reason why I am so proud to be a part of the Oxinity teaching community.
Our structure promotes the growth mindset by breaking language down into digestible chunks. Fast-paced, fun classes that include all the elements a person needs to quickly build confidence in using a language. We use technology to track progress, find the gaps in the language and spaced repetition to consolidate the bits you need.
We help our students stay motivated and build the resilience needed to continue learning a language and to see language learning as an achievable opportunity.
At Oxinity, we embody the growth mindset for language learning.
And I get to enjoy this, every.single.day.
When Georgina asked the question “Can anyone be creative?”
I immediately thought yes of course, if they have a growth mindset.
We all have the ability to learn a skill whether it be a language or something else, if we see it as an opportunity to grow and that failure is an essential part of the journey.
Of course, it’s not always easy, some days are trickier than others. Sometimes life throws everything it can at you! However, having this knowledge to remind myself, and to be reminded by others, keeps me growing as a person.
Take risks. Fail. Never give up etc, etc.