MJAMR

The Impact Of Growth Mindset Interventions On Academic Performance Of Low-Achieving Students at Kampala International University

Kanyesigye Gracious, Ojok Alex


Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a structured growth mindset intervention on the academic performance and psychological profiles of low-achieving students at Kampala International University (KIU). A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest control group design was employed, with 200 academically at-risk students (GPA < 2.0) randomly assigned to either an experimental group that received a four-week growth mindset workshop or a control group that participated in a placebo session. Data on Grade Point Average (GPA) and psychological metrics (mindset and resilience) were collected pre- and post-intervention and analyzed using multiple linear regression in SPSS and STATA. The results demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect of the intervention. The regression model predicting end-of-semester GPA showed that participants in the experimental group achieved GPAs that were 0.38 points higher on average than the control group (B = 0.38, p < .001), even after controlling for prior academic performance. Furthermore, the intervention significantly improved students' psychological profiles, with the experimental group showing markedly higher levels of academic resilience and stronger growth mindset beliefs. A key finding was a significant dosage effect, wherein the degree of change in a student's mindset score was a direct positive predictor of both their increased resilience (B = 2.95, p = .003) and their improvement in GPA (B = 0.11, p < .001). The study established a clear causal pathway whereby the workshop altered maladaptive beliefs about intelligence, which in turn fostered greater perseverance and directly led to improved academic performance. It is recommended that KIU institutionalize these findings by integrating a mandatory growth mindset module into firstyear orientation, implementing targeted workshop series for at-risk students, and providing comprehensive growth mindset pedagogy training for academic staff. These actions are essential for translating this evidence-based intervention into sustainable institutional practice to improve student retention and success.

Keywords

Growth Mindset Academic Performance Low-Achieving Students Intervention Kampala International University Resilience GPA Higher Education.
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Cite This Article

Kanyesigye Gracious & Ojok Alex (2025). The Impact Of Growth Mindset Interventions On Academic Performance Of Low-Achieving Students at Kampala International University. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 4(10). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=51

More in This Issue

View full issue →
1
Agroforestry And Soil Erosion In Kisoro District: A Case Study Of Muramba Sub - County
Butsekenya Joackim1 , Ahumuza Audrey2
Agroforestry soil erosion tree density farmer awareness
2
Agroforestry, soil erosion, tree density, farmer awareness, sustainable land management, Muramba Sub County. Background of the study
Butsekenya Joackim1 , Ahumuza Audrey2
Agroforestry soil erosion tree density farmer awareness
3
Assessing The Role Of Government Empowerment Programs Towards Poverty Alleviation In Uganda: A Case Study Of UWEP In Kalangala Town Council
Nakiganda Jamilah1 , Namuyonga Rebbecca2
UWEP Poverty Alleviation Women Empowerment Kalangala District
4
Classroom Management And Students Behaviors. A Case Study Of Kabami Secondary School In Kisoro District Uganda
Nyiransenga Light1 , Tanda Moses2
: Classroom Management Student Behavior Teacher–Student Relationship Discipline
5
Competency-Based Curriculum And Skills Empowerment Among Primary Schools In Kabale District: A Case Study Of Rutooma Primary School
Byaruhanga Boaz1 , Tanda Moses2
Competency-Based Curriculum Skills Empowerment Primary Schools and Kabale District Background of the study