Introduction
One of the main problems in the field of education is the low academic performance of students. Determining the causes of this circumstance becomes critical to improve learning outcomes and the quality of learning. In the United States of America, many studies have been conducted that contribute to the development of this field and the limitation of this issue. A unique role in examining low student success rates in the United States is played by mindset, understanding, and changing, which can solve this problem.
Statistics on Low Academic Performance in the US
First, it is necessary to understand the current student success rates in the US. Research stated that “in 2020, the overall 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time undergraduate students who began seeking a bachelor’s degree at 4-year degree-granting institutions in fall 2014 was 64 percent” (Undergraduate graduation rates para. 1). Another source emphasizes that “In 2019, 15.3 million students enrolled in high school” but only “3.7 million students will be graduating from high school during the same school year” (Bouchrika para. 25). The National Report Card highlighted that “the 2020 average scores in reading and mathematics for 13-year-olds were higher than the earliest assessments but declined since 2012” (National Assessment of Educational Progress para. 2). Therefore, these data provide an understanding that a sufficiently low number of students receive sufficient success rates to complete this stage of education.
Reasons Behind Low Academic Performance
There are many reasons that affect student success rates in the US. One is the inability to receive or continue treatment due to economic limitations. Thus, many individuals cannot afford to study in qualified educational institutions, which affects the statistics discussed.
Another reason is the loss of motivation to study due to discrimination or bullying at school (Jenkins and Urbanski 3). These aspects seriously hinder the learning process, as they affect the appearance of psychological problems that reduce the student’s desire and motivation. In this context, it is also worth noting that students may have a low level of academic performance due to a poorly structured training program not designed for their capabilities and skills.
One of the main reasons for low student success rates in the US is the mindset. This circumstance arises because “many students believe that intelligence is fixed, that each person has a certain amount and that’s that” (Dweck, para. 4). This phenomenon is called fixed mindset, which consists of the inability of individuals to deal with challenges due to the perception that their capabilities will not allow them to do so. This point of view seriously affects the motivation to study and leads to a drop in academic performance.
At the same time, Dweck conducted a study among 7th-grade students regarding their mindset during the transition to a more complex stage of education. The researcher received data that individuals do not have a fixed mindset regarding limited abilities. On the contrary, students believe that skills and abilities can be improved; they consider intelligence as potential. Therefore, it can be developed through hard work and the investment of effort necessary to increase success rates.
Ways to Enhance Student Success Rates
Self-esteem plays a critical role in forming students’ mindsets at the early stages of development. Studies have shown that this aspect is often more important than skills and abilities in a particular subject (Dweck, para. 12). However, the idea that the growth of self-esteem requires constant praise from parents is incorrect.
When individuals grow up, they cannot cope with work because they must constantly maintain their self-esteem. Thus, one way to transform this aspect is to praise children not for their intelligence but for their efforts (Dweck, para. 19). This will contribute to the formation of the mindset that success is achieved through the application of effort and will increase student success rates.
Another way to improve the situation of students with poor academic performance is to spread awareness about their brains’ capabilities. Specialized educational programs can be implemented to teach individuals how their brains work and how abilities and skills are formed. It is emphasized that “we need to correct the harmful idea that people simply have gifts that transport them to success, and to teach that no one succeeds in a big way without enormous amounts of dedication and effort” (Dweck para. 38). This measure will positively affect the desire and motivation for development, thereby increasing the level of academic achievement in education.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the problem of low success rates among students of American educational institutions makes it necessary to research how to limit them. One of the main focuses in this context is the transformation of individuals’ mindsets relative to their abilities. Support from parents and education providers can assist in this aspect. These critical participants in students’ lives should help them understand that it is not enough to have specific abilities and high self-esteem to achieve success. Individuals should put effort into their activities to increase their level of academic performance and satisfaction with their successes.
Works Cited
Bouchrika, Imed. “1010 American School Statistics: 2023 Data, Trends & Predictions.” Research.com, no date. Web.
Dweck, Carol. “Brainology.” NAIS, 2008. Web.
Jenkins, June, and Jan Urbanski. “Connecting Bullying and School Drop Out.” National Youth-At-Risk Conference, Savannah, vol. 25, 2019.
National Assessment of Educational Progress. “Explore NAEP Long-Term Trends in Reading and Mathematics.” The Nation’s Report Card, no date. Web.
Thomassin, Kristel, et al. “Development and validation of the praise, indulgence, and status parenting scale.” Journal of Personality Assessment, vol. 102, no. 6, 2020, pp. 804-816.
“Undergraduate Graduation Rates.” National Center for Education Statistics, no date. Web.