We have created a dynamic program of research and practice that promotes adaptive mindsets—a mindset where students regard difficulties as challenges they can overcome rather than as fixed and discouraging statements of their worth—in law students and addresses their changing social and academic needs. As a collaboration between students, law faculty, and learning scientists, our goal is to create meaningful cultural change. Through a rigorous assessment process that places the students’ subjective experience at the center of the design process, we utilized data from surveys and student-focus groups to inform the development of a playbook of evidence-based intervention strategies for law students. We began by asking our students at Pitt Law questions through surveys in order to understand their experiences through their own perspectives. Using this understanding, we are designing, implementing, and evaluating targeted, tailored, well-timed interventions to foster greater psychological resilience and engagement among our students.

Related Goals:
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