What Do Fixed and Growth Mind-Set College Professors Actually Do and Say in the Classroom?

• In Event: 28.092 - Sheraton Roundtable Two - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 28.092-1 - Achievement Goals and Growth Mind-Set

Abstract

In the present study, we explore which professor behaviors are most strongly associated with professors’ actual mindset beliefs and students’ perceptions of their professors’ mindset beliefs. Professors (N = 48) and their undergraduate students (N = 756) completed surveys about professors’ beliefs and behaviors. Results indicated that, from the perspective of professors, the behavior most strongly associated with professor mindset beliefs was monitoring student progress. From the perspective of students, the perceived professor behavior most strongly associated with perceived professor mindset was encouraging students to ask questions and attend office hours. Finally, we found that professor-reported behaviors, rather than professor-reported beliefs, are more strongly associated with students’ perceptions of professors’ mindset beliefs.

Authors

• Katherine Marie Muenks, University of Texas at Austin

• Elizabeth Ann Canning, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Kathryn M Kroeper, Indiana University

• Mary C. Murphy, Indiana University