The idea that people can have two types of mindsets: a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. American psychologist Carol Dweck has conducted research on the motivations and performances of students. She concluded that there are two types of mindsets: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset. Students with a fixed mindset saw ability as something that must manifest immediately and thus cannot be developed. They gave up if they couldn't do something right away. Students with a growth mindset believed that ability could grow through hard work and practice. They persevered at all times, even when it became difficult or when they encountered problems. Nowadays, researchers question the reliability of Dweck's original studies. Later studies show different results. They showed, among other things, that a growth-oriented mindset does not lead to better learning (Sisk et al, 2018). Moreover, Dweck's research is based on a method of self-reporting by students. The fact that students think differently about competence and intelligence is true, but the influence of those mindsets on academic performance has never been strongly demonstrated. Especially interventions in the area of mindset appear to be not (or hardly) effective.
Kirschner, P. A., Claessens, L., & Raaijmakers, S. (2018). Op de schouders van reuzen: Inspirerende inzichten uit de cognitieve psychologie voor leerkrachten. Meppel: Ten Brink Uitgevers.