Challenge B: Video: Substantive Post #1

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This animated video from Sprouts clearly illustrates Carol Dweck’s concept of a “growth mindset”—the belief that intelligence and ability can be improved through effort, feedback, and learning from mistakes. The video contrasts a growth mindset with a fixed mindset, demonstrating how our beliefs shape motivation, resilience, and achievement.

Grounded in Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning , the video applies multiple evidence-based design principles.

  • The dual-channel principle recognizes that humans process verbal and visual materials through separate channels; thus, pairing narration with simple illustrations optimizes working memory use.
  • The modality principle ensures that spoken words—rather than written text—accompany visuals, reducing split-attention effects.
  • The coherence principle eliminates unnecessary sounds or decorative images, minimizing extraneous cognitive load.
  • The segmenting principle divides the content into thematic parts (definition, contrast, classroom example), allowing self-paced processing.

From a Cognitive Load Theory perspective, the video manages intrinsic load by presenting one conceptual contrast at a time and promotes germane load by encouraging schema construction—viewers reflect on how effort leads to mastery. The personalization principle further enhances engagement through conversational narration, supporting emotional connection and deeper cognitive processing.

Watching this video made me realize how I often fall into a fixed mindset when faced with difficult tasks. The video used vivid images to explain how the brain builds new connections through effort, helping me to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as signs of failure. In future educational videos, I’ve learned that designing multimedia learning materials should incorporate this philosophy—integrating visuals, narration, and reflection to help students actively understand the content. This is something I plan to incorporate in my educational videos.

References

Sprouts. (2020, August 6). The Growth Mindset Explained – Carol Dweck [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/KUWn_TJTrnU

EDCI 337. (2025, September 5). Theories of Multimedia Learning. EdTech UVic. Retrieved from https://edtechuvic.ca/edci337/2025/09/05/theories-of-multimedia-learning/