Research article | Open Access
International Journal of Research in Teacher Education 2025, Vol. 16(4) 1-13
Exploring the Impact of Growth Mindset on Mathematics Achievement, Attitudes and Anxiety in Middle School Students
pp. 1 - 13 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.29329/ijrte.2024.1408.01
Publish Date: December 30, 2025 | Single/Total View: 0/2 | Single/Total Download: 1/1
Abstract
Why do some students give up immediately when faced with a difficult mathematics problem, while others persist in their efforts? Psychologist Carol Dweck, who researches how children overcome situations in which they fail, explains this phenomenon with "mindset theory." According to this theory, which posits that students' mindset structures greatly influence their learning processes, achievements, and general attitudes, individuals possess one of two different mindsets: "growth mindset" or "fixed mindset." Individuals with a fixed mindset believe that certain traits such as intelligence, talent, and character are unchangeable, while those with a growth mindset hold the opposite view. This study aimed to examine the impact of a growth mindset on mathematics achievement, academic perseverance, attitudes toward mathematics, and mathematics anxiety among 8th-grade students. A correlational survey model was employed, administering the Mathematical Mindset Theory Scale, Academic Perseverance Scale, Mathematics Lesson Attitude and Anxiety Scale, and a TIMSS-based Academic Achievement Test to 183 8th-grade students. The study also analyzed the relationship between student and parent mindset structures. Analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between a growth mindset and academic perseverance, mathematics attitudes, and mathematics achievement. Conversely, a significant negative relationship was found with mathematics anxiety. A further significant finding was that students of parents with a growth mindset were more likely to possess a growth mindset themselves. The findings underscore that non-cognitive factors, specifically a growth mindset, are critical components of mathematics learning, suggesting that interventions focused on fostering this mindset in students and parents may enhance academic success.
Keywords: Mindset Theory, Matematik Eğitimi, Öğrenme Psikolojisi.
APA 7th edition
ORAL, S.C. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Growth Mindset on Mathematics Achievement, Attitudes and Anxiety in Middle School Students. International Journal of Research in Teacher Education, 16(4), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijrte.2024.1408.01
Harvard
ORAL, S. (2025). Exploring the Impact of Growth Mindset on Mathematics Achievement, Attitudes and Anxiety in Middle School Students. International Journal of Research in Teacher Education, 16(4), pp. 1-13.
Chicago 16th edition
ORAL, Sati CEYLAN (2025). "Exploring the Impact of Growth Mindset on Mathematics Achievement, Attitudes and Anxiety in Middle School Students". International Journal of Research in Teacher Education 16 (4):1-13. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijrte.2024.1408.01
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