Growth, Fixed, and Mixed Mindsets: Mindset System Profiles in Foreign Language Learners and Their Role in Engagement and Achievement

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Motivation in Education SIG Poster Session: Motivational Processes and Effects

Abstract

Language learners’ mindsets are associated with achievement goals, language-use anxiety, reappraisals of challenges, and persistence. We integrated these mindset-related constructs to identify mindset-system profiles among foreign language learners. A latent profile analysis of 234 university students in foreign language courses revealed three distinct profiles. The fixed (21.8%) and growth (20.5%) profiles showed distinct and contrasting patterns of goals, reappraisals, anxiety, and persistence. However, most learners (57.7%) endorsed a mixed profile. Although mindsets alone did not predict grades, students in the growth profile were consistently most engaged and achieved the highest grades, suggesting that mindsets function as a system. This study enhances our understanding of the motivation of learners with mixed mindsets and the complexity and functions of the mindset system.

Authors

• Nigel Mantou Lou, University of Victoria

• Kathryn Everhart Chaffee, University of Quebec - Montreal

• Kimberly Noels, University of Alberta