How does a growth mindset predict K–12 student learning? A systematic literature review

A growth mindset plays an important role in explaining student learning. In addition to learning outcomes, there are numerous variables (e.g. learning motivation, emotions and strategies) that can be predicted by a growth mindset. To better understand how the growth mindset works in the context of K–12 student learning, the authors synthesised all variables predicted by the growth mindset based on an analysis of 91 journal articles. There were 45 variables identified, which were then grouped into seven categories: learning motivational beliefs; learning-related emotions; learning-related psychological traits; other learning-related beliefs and attitudes; learning strategies; learning engagement; and learning outcomes. The way the growth mindset predicted these variables was also reviewed. A variety of predictive paths were summarised and most of them were confirmed to be significant. Limitations and implications are discussed.