• As a child engages in thinking their brain develops neural networks and pathways. Each time they push the boundaries and successfully solve new challenges they develop new pathways or strengthen existing ones.

• One of the key characteristics of the thinking ability of our brains is its propensity for growth, expansion and continuous development. 

• Given the right conditions this process continues on in older people as well.

• When a child focuses on a growth mindset they have unlimited capacity to grow, innovate and expand their thinking.

• Intelligence is not a potential but has a propensity for growth.

POTENTIAL?

Brain development is not a fixed inner limit to be reached or realised as our full potential. 

• When intelligence is perceived as having POTENTIAL then it describes attribute that is available but yet to be realised. It means a learner has inner reserves but is yet to apply them to maximum advantage.

• The problem with this definition of the quality of intelligence is that it signals a limiting quality. For example, reaching one's full potential means the end of any further development.

PROPENSITY?

Propensity, on the other hand, suggests a continual growth, an expansion beyond limitations. 

• When intelligence development is seen as a propensity then it describes the ability of the brain to form new networks for learning, development, awareness without a defined limit. 

• It signals unlimited growth. Brain research and our current understanding of the brain is pointing to this nature of the brain.