Date of Award
6-30-2022
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
Program
Differentiated Instruction
Capstone Instructor
Brian Boothe
Second Reader
Elisabeth Amirahmadi
Keywords
fixed mindset, entity theory, growth mindset, incremental theory, mental health, student achievement, influences on mindset
Abstract
This paper analyzed research on the impact of a growth mindset on student learning, achievement, and mental health. This topic was explored through research regarding the impact of growth and fixed mindsets, what shapes students’ mindsets, and the impact of mindsets on mental health. Research has examined the impact of growth mindset interventions on students and has determined that these interventions improve academic success and increase task importance and interest in students. Additional research discussed a correlation between mindset and mental health and stated that children who believe their intelligence is malleable may feel the same about their emotions, and therefore believe that they are in control of their emotions. Lastly, this paper analyzed the impact of others’ mindsets and how they shape students’ mindset beliefs. Research concluded that the mindsets of teachers, parents, and peers can influence students’ mindsets, and suggested that schools and educators should consider providing resources and tools to both students and their families when working to support a growth mindset. Further research is needed to determine the impact of mindset interventions on younger elementary students, as the current research aims to examine mindset interventions with older students. Additional research regarding the impact of interventions on parent mindsets would also be helpful to understand how parents’ mindsets can be changed to better support their children.