College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2025-02-04 13:16:19
Major
Middle Level Education
Honors Course
EDCI 431-003
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts in Education
Date of Expected Graduation
Fall 2024
Abstract
Placing labels onto young learners, such as “smart” and “gifted,” impacts their brain growth and mental health tremendously; rarely in a positive manner. This way of thinking, formed by separating students into “accelerated” and “normal” categories, can instill what is known as a fixed mindset of learning. Believing that there is no room to grow, or being afraid to make mistakes, largely due to the impact of these labels, learners quickly become less likely to attempt more challenging tasks; as well as persevere through difficult obstacles. Through extensive research within the Akron-Summit County Public Library, The University of Akron’s Bierce Library, the Akron ZipSearch Engine, as well as Google Scholar, attaining reliable, valid, and scholarly journals, readings, and articles. the true extent which mindsets hold on learning outcomes will be determined. When educators, parents, and students all work to highlight learning and education in a positive manner, become accepting of mistakes, learn to persevere through challenging tasks, and grow to understand that disequilibrium leads to true wisdom and brain development, will children be far more successful in promoting their learning, motivation, and self-esteem? Analyzing this research, accounting for studies regarding the correlation of these mindsets in relation to student achievement, participation in high level courses, as well as drop-out rates; this review details the impact which thinking has on student learning. Along with this, an analysis of specific instructional strategies and methodologies which promote a growth mindset within my paper will enlighten both current and future educators on the true power of mindsets of learning, instilling beliefs of positivity, enthusiasm, acceptance, and growth; as well as implanting critical techniques for educators to continue to pass this knowledge on to every generation. To conduct and complete my literature review, the 8-step process as described by Borg, Borg, and Gall (2006) will be utilized.
Research Sponsor
Lynne M. Pachnowski
First Reader
Susan Kushner Benson
Second Reader
Harold M. Foster
Honors Faculty Advisor
Lynne M. Pachnowski
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Fabo, Andrew, "From Fixed to Growth: How a Mindset Transforms Student Learning" (2024). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1935.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1935
Included in
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Educational Technology Commons, Gifted Education Commons
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