The Relationship Between Mindset and Academic Achievement in Spanish Reading and Listening

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between the mindset of students, their motivation to acquire a second language, and their academic achievement as measured by reading and listening assessments. The measurement tool used in the study was a questionnaire provided to students using a Likert scale to determine their motivation to learn a second language and their mindset in the classroom. Students were provided the questionnaire in the Spring of 2021, and then completed a reading assessment in Spanish and a listening assessment in Spanish. It must be taken into account that this study was completed during the Covid 19 national pandemic that resulted in all students learning virtually. Analysis through a Pearson correlation indicated that there was a positive correlation between student mindset, their motivation to acquire a second language, and their academic performance on Spanish reading and listening assessments. Research should continue in the face-to-face classroom setting to determine further correlation between mindset and academic achievement in the Spanish classroom.