Mindset: Enquiry and Lifelong Learning

This page explains the Enquiry and Lifelong Learning attribute and provides questions to help you start thinking about what this mindset means for you and how it can be strengthened.

Magnify glass - The Edinburgh graduate has curiosity for learning that makes a positive difference.

University of Edinburgh graduates seek personal and academic learning that makes a positive difference to themselves and to the world around them.  Inspired by their exposure to world-leading research, they are innovative and lifelong learners.

Mindsets can evolve and change with time and experiences, and are shaped by our individual values.  They are our usual ways of thinking about something and our attitudes towards it – here our attitude towards knowledge and learning.

It takes both staff support and student initiative to develop graduate attributes. Students should take the initiative to seek out ways to understand and enhance their attitude towards knowledge and learning. Staff should help support students to develop core discipline expertise and encourage students to cultivate their desire for knowledge and learning.

Students should reflect on: Staff should reflect on:
  • What is your current mindset in this area?  Are these attitudes well-established or still evolving?  How important is this area to you?
  • What is your own mindset in this area?  How does it relate to your main job(s) and role(s)?
  • What impact does this mindset have?  How does it influence your actions and behaviour?
  • What does this mindset mean within your discipline?
  • What experiences have contributed to developing your mindset?
  • What does this mindset mean to your students, inside and outside their degree?
  • What experiences will help further explore, refine, and strengthen your mindset?
  • How can you help your students to develop this mindset during their time with you?