Estimating the Impact of Growth Mindset on High School Mathematics Performance and Course-Taking

Abstract

Using a randomized controlled trial in a nationally representative sample of 65 public high schools (N = 13,660), we tested the effects of a growth mindset intervention on math coursetaking patterns and student achievement and explored whether school context was related to the success of the intervention. Students were randomly assigned to complete either the growth mindset intervention or a control activity during two 25-minute sessions. After participating in the growth mindset program used in the National Study of Learning Mindsets, students’ 9thgrade mathematics GPA increased by an average of 0.05 grade points on a 4.3-point scale. We found distinct patterns of treatment effects that depend on level of math preparation, course intensity, school context, and changes in students’ mindset.

Keywords: growth mindset, psychological intervention, Human Capital, achievement