Using Growth Mindset to Navigate Challenges in Pharmacy Education

Abstract

Pharmacy education is an exciting yet complex environment, one that frequently demands adaptability and resilience in response to evolving health care, technological, and regulatory changes. Furthermore, educators and learners are continually challenged by a variety of pressures that they need to effectively manage or overcome. Many have learned about growth mindset theory and seen how it can help faculty, staff, and learners persevere and even thrive in the educational arena. In this commentary, we propose using growth mindset principles as valuable tools to address 2 “wicked problems” within pharmacy education: North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination pass rates and faculty burnout. We begin by reviewing key concepts of Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory and then sharing practical examples of its application. By adopting a growth mindset, educators and administrators can effectively navigate complex situations, fostering long-lasting personal fulfillment and professional satisfaction for themselves and those around them.