What characterizes mastery goals among students?

Mastery goals among students are characterized by a focus on increasing ability and knowledge. This approach emphasizes personal growth, understanding, and the development of competencies rather than merely achieving high grades or outperforming peers. Students driven by mastery goals view learning as a process and are motivated by curiosity and the desire to improve their skills. They are more likely to engage in deeper learning, seek challenges, and persist in the face of difficulty because their primary concern is with their own progress and self-improvement rather than external validation or comparison with others.

In contrast, a desire for high grades typically aligns with performance goals, where the emphasis is on outcomes rather than learning itself. Fear of failure in assessment may lead to avoidance behaviors and a lack of engagement with the learning material, as students might focus on avoiding mistakes rather than embracing the learning process. Lastly, a drive for social recognition can also indicate a performance-oriented mindset, where students are motivated by the approval of others rather than their own intrinsic desire to learn and grow. Thus, the essence of mastery goals lies in the intrinsic motivation to enhance one’s own abilities and understanding.