Global Mindset Initiative Introduction: Envisioning the Future of Growth Mindset Research in Education

Abstract

The Global Mindset Initiative aims to develop, test, and launch a program to help teachers create a growth mindset culture for their students. A growth mindset is the belief that abilities can be developed, and research shows that students’ growth mindsets can predict higher achievement, well-being, and academic equity in many nations. Research also shows that cost-effective growth mindset programs for students can enhance academic outcomes. However, effects depend on whether the classroom culture allows students to use and benefit from their growth mindsets. Thus, next-generation research must address classroom cultures directly, using experimental methods. The four papers in this series set the stage by asking: What teacher practices foster a growth mindset culture? How can we motivate enduring changes in teachers’ practices? What measures best assess teacher implementation and student impact? What research designs and infrastructure are needed? With achievement, equity, well-being, and job preparation in jeopardy, the need for this kind of research is pressing.

Keywords: growth mindset, interventions, motivation, education, classroom culture, teacher beliefs, teacher practices, inequality.

JEL Classification: International economics