Exploring the Interplay: Curiosity and Growth Mindsets in Childhood

• In Event: AERA Graduate Student Research-in-Progress Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Insights into Motivation in Education Contexts: Leadership Roles, Growth Mindset, and Goal Commitments (Table 8)

Abstract

It is no secret that we want children to enjoy learning. Yet despite efforts, motivation steadily declines throughout early schooling (Wang & Pomerantz, 2009). This alarming trend emphasizes the importance of finding methods to increase motivation, and thus achievement, in classrooms. Here, we focus on the relationship between curiosity and growth mindsets given the important and positive relationships they individually have with motivation and achievement. Data collection is ongoing and not yet analyzed, however, we anticipate a positive relationship between curiosity and growth mindsets. These findings could have significant implications for the development of methods to counteract the decline in students' curiosity throughout schooling. For instance, focusing on fostering a growth mindset may help cultivate and enhance curiosity among students.

Author

• Natalie Hutchins, University of Virginia