PERC 2025 Abstract Detail Page
Previous Page | New Search | Browse All
| Abstract Title: | Chicken and the egg: does outreach lead to a growth mindset or vice versa? |
|---|---|
| Abstract Type: | Contributed Poster Presentation |
| Abstract: | Recent studies highlight the benefits of a growth mindset in students, boosting academic achievement and persistence in STEM. The first national survey of informal physics outreach programs found a strong link between students' growth mindset and outreach participation. This work explores the relationship between growth mindset and engaging in outreach---specifically, whether a growth mindset encourages students to participate in outreach or if outreach itself fosters a growth mindset. We examined student responses to three open-ended questions, looking for indicators of mindset and directionality. Analyzing 239 open-ended responses, we identified 26 instances of mindset, 24 reflecting growth, with 17 attributing its development to outreach. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: continual learning, confidence, realization of understanding, knowledge development, and recognition of difficulty. Four were from growth mindset, with the last from fixed mindset. Findings suggest outreach provides valuable opportunities for students to cultivate a growth mindset, enhancing their academic success. |
| Session Time: | Poster Session B |
| Poster Number: | B-37 |
| Contributed Paper Record: | Contributed Paper Information |
| Contributed Paper Download: | Download Contributed Paper |
Author/Organizer Information | |
| Primary Contact: |
Tatiana Erukhimova Texas A&M University |
| Co-Author(s) and Co-Presenter(s) |
Isabella Oaks, Texas A&M University James Hirons, Texas A&M University Jonathan Perry, University of Texas at Austin Toni Sauncy, Texas Lutheran University Susan White, American Institute of Physics Rachel Ivie, American Association of Physics Teachers |
