What defines performance avoidance goals for students?

Performance avoidance goals are primarily characterized by a motivation driven by the fear of failure. Students with performance avoidance goals are concerned about being judged negatively or appearing incompetent compared to their peers. This fear often leads them to avoid situations where they might perform poorly or where their abilities could be evaluated, leading to anxiety and a higher likelihood of disengagement from challenging tasks.

Students with these goals may focus on avoiding failure rather than striving to achieve success, which can inhibit their learning and development. In contrast, seeking feedback for improvement, engaging with peers for learning, or focusing on collaborative tasks are indicators of more positive and adaptive achievement goals, such as mastery goals or social goals, which encourage growth and interaction rather than avoidance.