Believing practice predicts grades

A study of 249 Norwegian secondary students found that students who endorse a growth mindset (believing effort and practice improve ability) and who report high self‑efficacy get better grades and enjoy subjects more than peers who rely mainly on passion or grit. The effect showed up across both academic (language) and nonacademic (physical education) classes, suggesting the attitude is broadly influential. — If replicated, the result implies education policy and school interventions should prioritise cultivating belief in improvability and self‑efficacy over exhortations to 'grit' or talent myths.

Sources

Belief effects do have a ceiling

Isegoria 2026.05.03 80% relevant

The article reiterates the core claim that confidence grows from repeated, mastery‑based practice (Bandura’s mastery experiences) and vicarious learning (training partners/role models), linking those mechanisms to observable performance gains in athletics — the same mechanism underlying the existing idea that practice‑rooted belief predicts better academic (and performance) outcomes.

The Students Who Believe Practice Makes Perfect Get Pretty Perfect Grades

Jake Currie 2026.04.01 100% relevant

Study led by Birger Olav Sætre at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, sample of 249 students ages 15–19, reported in Frontiers in Education and summarized in Nautilus.