What's Happening?
A recent study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status, growth mindset, and academic achievement across 73 countries using PISA test data. The research found that while a growth mindset is
associated with improved academic performance, its impact on bridging the socioeconomic achievement gap is minimal. The study revealed that students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds tend to have better academic outcomes, regardless of their mindset. The analysis showed that growth mindset accounts for only a small portion of the achievement gap, suggesting that socioeconomic factors play a more significant role in academic success.
Why It's Important?
The findings challenge the notion that growth mindset interventions can significantly reduce educational inequalities. This has implications for policymakers and educators who may have relied on mindset interventions as a tool to address disparities in academic achievement. The study suggests that more direct approaches targeting socioeconomic factors may be necessary to effectively close the achievement gap. Understanding the limited role of growth mindset in this context can help refine educational strategies and resource allocation to better support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
