Evaluating the development and effectiveness of grit and growth mindset among high school students in a computer programming project
Date
2017
Authors
Kench, Delia Joan
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Abstract
This dissertation investigates grit “passion and perseverance” for a long-term goal and growth mindset in grade 11 high school students as they code a non-trivial pro-gramming project in Java over a six-week period. Students are often challenged by the complexities of programming and can be overwhelmed when they encounter errors causing them to give up and not persevere. The programming project includes scaffolding with frequent feedback to increase the motivation of students. The study used mixed methods research that used both quantitative and qualitative data to find answers to the research questions. Whilst the correlation between grit, mindset and the project results were moderate, that students submitted their project numerous times showed an indication to perseverance. The data gathered from the interviews further indicated that the students’ perseverance led them to employ their own prob-lem-solving strategies when they encounter problems.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science
Johannesburg 2016.
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Citation
Kench, Delia Joan (2017) Evaluating the development and effectiveness of grit and growth mindset among high school students in a computer programming project, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, <http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23461>