The effectiveness of self-assessment in promoting growth mindset in EFL students / Amenah Almasraf

Abstract : While research on mindsets theory deals with internal psychological processes, self-assessment research focuses on external teaching strategies. This research study aimed to examine the impact of self-assessment strategies in developing a positive mindset in EFL classrooms. Language students hold different beliefs regarding language learning, but one crucial belief that contributes to their success is whether their language aptitude is fixed or malleable. Twenty-five students from the Faculty of Education, University of Abu-Isa, Zawiya participated in this study. At the beginning of the study, participants were given Mindsets Survey to examine if they have growth, or fixed mindsets based on their scores on the survey. After the pre-survey, participants exercised self-assessment rubrics and checklists for 3 weeks in their writing class and the same survey was given to determine if any changes have occurred in the participants' academic mindsets. The results showed that the regular use of self-assessment rubrics and checklists during writing classes helped students with fixed mindset to develop a growth mindset. These findings imply that most students perceive self-assessment as a useful strategy since they self-control their learning process which is in line with the growth mindset theory.