What does Learned Helplessness indicate about a student's learning approach?

Learned Helplessness is a psychological concept that reflects a student's mindset when they have experienced consistent failure despite their efforts. When a student exhibits learned helplessness, it indicates that they have come to believe that their actions will not lead to desired outcomes. As a result, they may develop a dependency on the instructor, feeling that they cannot find solutions on their own and relying heavily on guidance and answers from their teacher.

This demonstrates a significant lack of agency in their learning approach, as they wait for help rather than taking initiative or attempting to solve problems independently. This reliance can hinder their ability to engage in effective learning strategies and can perpetuate a cycle of inaction and avoidance of challenges. Understanding this behavior is crucial for educators to develop strategies that empower students and foster a growth mindset, ultimately helping them to overcome feelings of helplessness and take responsibility for their learning.