Learning Mindsets in the Secondary Classroom: Implications for Instruction and Professional Development

摘要

This exploratory inquiry utilizes survey research to investigate teacher perceptions about learning mindsets in the classroom. The literature indicates that creating a learning culture that produces student motivation leads to sustained effort and increased achievement (Dweck, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010; Resnick, 1985, 2000; Robertson-Kraft, & Duckworth, 2013; Shechtman, DeBarger, Dornsife, Rosier, & Yarnall, 2013; Tough, 2013). Dweck (2006) refers to this learning mindset as a growth mindset meaning the individual believes his or her intelligence can increase with effort. The opposite would be a fixed mindset which creates a lack of motivation because the individual believes his or her intelligence is static (Dweck, 2006). This inquiry investigated how teachers perceive learning mindsets and operationalize these perceptions in their classroom practices. Additionally, this inquiry investigates the professional development teachers have received and wish to receive related to learning mindsets in the classroom. udThe survey utilized in this inquiry was adapted from a survey created and used by Education Week in a national study conducted in May of 2016 (Education Week Research Center, 2016). This study has a collaborative aspect as a fellow doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh conducted her inquiry with elementary teachers using the same survey instrument used in this inquiry. The survey was divided into three sections: classroom practices, teacher perceptions, and professional development. Data from all three studies were analyzed and compared in this inquiry. udFindings indicate that teachers have a strong understanding of factors that contribute to student growth mindset. Teachers also believe they are good at fostering a growth mindset, but they don’t have as much confidence that their colleagues are proficient at fostering a growth mindset in students. Although teachers appear to have a strong grasp of how to foster a growth mindset in students, areas are identified in which teachers lack an understanding of how a growth mindset connects to and impacts achievement. These findings lead to the conclusion that additional and deeper professional development is necessary for teachers to fully understand the benefits and impact of fostering a growth mindset in students.