Creating Independent Learners: 

A Growth Mindset Approach Inspired by “Atomic Habits”

On January 26th, our school launched the ‘Lunch & Learn’ CPD series for 2025 with an inspiring session led by Madeline St Amour. The session focused on fostering independent learning at Key Stage 5, a vital step in preparing students for academic and personal success. I wanted to attend as I was intrigued to draw parallels from my microlearning ‘blink’ audiobook listen with James Clear’s “Atomic Habits,” it emphasized how small, consistent changes can lead to transformative outcomes. The main themes I took away to not only have a personal impact but also student grades in the classroom stemmed the following outcomes: 

1. Structuring Choices for Autonomy

   Madeline introduced the concept of task menus, which offer students structured yet flexible options for independent study. This approach echoes “Atomic Habits” by fostering autonomy and encouraging students to develop systems that support incremental growth. we discussed how this can be achieved through student choice via task menus to help students manage workloads while tailoring their study habits to individual strengths and preferences. As Head of Department, I have produced termly homework choices in the form of a NANDOs spicy menu. Wheareas, students must complete at least one starter, main and a dessert from the menu to fulfil their order for each term. This naturally provides a scaffold and provides whole class differentiation in a flexible manner. Here is an example you can download for KS3 Computing (term 1). Get in touch if you want to access all three terms worth for a years supply of homework activities. 

2. The Pre-Mack Principle: Leveraging Motivation
   The session highlighted the Pre-Mack Principle, which encourages students to pair desired activities with less appealing tasks as a form of motivation. This idea closely aligns with “Atomic Habits,” where Clear emphasizes the power of linking enjoyable behaviors with productive ones to reinforce positive routines.

3. “If-Then” Planning: Building Resilience Through Preparedness
   “If-Then” planning equips students to anticipate challenges and respond proactively. For example, “If I don’t understand the topic, then I will review the class notes and ask my teacher for clarification.” This strategy fosters a growth mindset by framing obstacles as opportunities to adapt and improve, aligning with Clear’s philosophy that proactive planning builds resilience and encourages progress.

A recurring theme in the session was the importance of cultivating a growth mindset. By focusing on the process rather than immediate results, we encourage students to embrace challenges and view effort as a path to mastery. This mindset mirrors Clear’s assertion that small, consistent actions compound over time, resulting in significant improvements.

The insights from this session have practical implications for teaching strategies. By integrating task menus, reinforcing the Pre-Mack Principle, and promoting “If-Then” planning, educators can guide students toward becoming independent learners who excel academically and develop essential lifelong learning skills.

As I reflect on this session, we as educators have a unique opportunity to model and nurture these habits in our students. I for one always belive in learning for life and this start of the ‘Lunch & Learn’ CPD initiative has set the tone for a year of professional growth and collaboration. I hope it continues to inspire us to refine our practices and support our students in achieving their full potential. As Dylan Williams put it so succinctly acknowledges this with this quote below that: