Four learning mindsets framework: belonging, success expectancy, growth mindset, and task value¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 3 claims (3 for) · 2 studies (2 review), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The synthesis names four learning mindsets that are particularly important for students' academic behaviors, persistence, and performance, expressed from the student's point of view: "I belong in this learning community," "I can succeed at this," "My ability and competence grow with my effort (also known as a 'growth mindset')," and "This work has value for me." How true these statements feel within a classroom determines how likely students are to focus attention on learning and persevere with challenging tasks; feeling any of them untrue makes disengagement more likely.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Teachers must create classroom conditions and experiences, not persuasion alone, for the mindsets to feel true to students.

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students, with attention to adolescents developing social identities

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Motivation, persistence on challenging academic tasks, and positive academic behaviors

Claims¶

• Positive Mindsets Better Behaviors Grades [+M]
• Mindsets Vary Across Classrooms With Teacher Practices [+M]
• Positive academic mindsets increase perseverance and academic behaviors, yielding higher grades; negative mindsets produce a self-defeating cycle [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Four academic mindsets framework

Examples¶

• Set a High Bar for Each Student
• Growth Mindset Framing
• Express Confidence in Learners
• Promote a Growth Mindset
• Responding with \"Yet\"

Key Sources¶

• Allensworth, E.M., Farrington, C.A., Gordon, M.F., Johnson, D.W., Klein, K., McDaniel, B., & Nagaoka, J. (2018). Supporting social, emotional, & academic development: Research implications for educators. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. https://consortium.uchicago.edu/page/presentations