Why we should teach kids about mindset | Glenn Cosby

Problem Statement & Background - Mental health service referrals for children in England increased by 71% compared to pre-pandemic levels [2] - 212% of children in England were classified as persistently absent from school [3] - Students are perceived as more stressed, anxious, and distracted [3] - Traditional education may stifle confidence and curiosity [6] - Exam stress, even at a young age (e g, 10 years old), can have serious consequences [8] Proposed Solution & Methodology - Mindset skills can be taught to improve calm, confidence, and consistency [2] - The "dropping" technique (sigh, shrug, and drop) combined with deep breathing can promote calm [14][15] - The ABC tool (Allow, Breathe, Change) helps reframe negative thoughts and build confidence [20][21] - The "just for now, just this" hack encourages consistency by focusing on small, manageable tasks [24][25] Supporting Evidence & Results - A study by the OECD involving 600,000 students across 78 countries showed that students with a growth mindset scored higher in reading, maths, and science, experienced less fear of failure, and reported greater life satisfaction [22][23] - A trial showed a 44% increase in student confidence after coaching, compared to a 12% increase in a control group [31][32] - The academic self-efficacy scale is used to measure self-confidence for learning [29][30] Caveats & Considerations - Mindfulness-based techniques have great potential but are difficult to teach well and require student buy-in [17][18] - Building rapport and trust is essential for students to engage with the techniques effectively [19] - Some individuals with ADHD or autism may find it harder to get started or stay focused [28]