Promoting Positive Student Outcomes: The Use of Reflection and Planning Activities with a Growth-Mindset Focus and SMART Goals

The growth-mindset was examined to determine student perception of success by incorporating goalsetting activities into the course curriculum. Faculty at three universities conducted a mixed methods study to examine the extent to which reflection and planning activities designed to engage a growth-mindset focus through setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound) goals resulted in perceived positive outcomes for students. Students engaged in these activities throughout the semester completed a voluntary survey at the end of each course. The survey focused on students' perceptions regarding the activities relative to their overall course progress. Students' favorable results revealed that students favorably perceived that the growth mindset planning and reflection assignments increased their learning. Details of the study along with conclusions and directions for future research are provided.