Academic Mindset

Academic Mindset

academic performance

Academic perseverance

academic behaviors

How does the student deal with academic obstacles?

What choices is the student making, and why?

How is the student performing academically?

School & Classroom Context

Social skills

Learning strategies

How well does the student relate to peers and adults?

Which strategies is the student using (or not using?)

Performance

Academic performance is ultimately influenced by academic behaviors and learning strategies. Academic performance is also one of the biggest factors influencing academic mindsets. High performance yields self-confidence and recognition of strengths which increases openness to continuous learning.

Learning Strategies

Learning strategies are influenced by academic mindsets and school and classroom context. Strategies directly impact academic performance. Teach students to be independent thinkers who are curious, with self-direction and civic identity. Promote these values in the schoolwide culture, practices, and policies. Encourage students to find initiative and ownership, taking responsibility for their learning.

Perseverance

Teaching perseverance in school means that students will be prepared to solve problems in their careers and adult lives. Academic perseverance influences academic behaviors. Focus on teaching strategies for resilience, agency, and academic tenacity, as well as adaptability and flexibility. Healthy development, school readiness, and mindsets surrounding self and school all influence perseverance.

Behaviors

Academic behaviors, along with learning strategies, are the ultimate indicators of academic performance. Behaviors are influenced by social skills, learning strategies, and academic mindsets and perseverance. Focus on teaching self-awareness and self-management skills. Teach students how to identify emotions, recognize strengths, set goals, make plans, and monitor progress. Executive functions are foundational skills.

Social Skills

Social skills are influenced by our academic mindsets, and they are an influence on academic behaviors. Along with executive functions and self-awareness, social skills are a fundamental building block of school readiness. Without them, mindsets for self and school, perseverance, and independence and sustainability cannot develop. Teach social-emotional learning skills for relationship development and conflict resolution.

Academic Mindset

The gut feeling about learning

The cycle begins with a positive school context and past academic performance, which help students develop positive academic mindsets. The positive mindsets boost social skills, academic perseverance, and learning strategies, which in turn lead to improved academic behaviors and improved academic performance.