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Michael Barger

@mmbarger.bsky.social
862 followers 416 following 31 posts

Associate professor of Ed Psych. Interested in how kids learn to love STEM and how parents/teachers can help. he/him

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Reposted by Michael Barger
Evan Urquhart @evanurquhart.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
I don't think we should mince words. Transphobia and hatred killed May Pollard. The Idaho legislature killed her as surely as if they'd pointed a gun at her head and pulled the trigger. Anti-trans laws were the gun. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
nbcnews.com
Idaho pushed anti-trans laws for years. Then a teen died.
The life and death of May Pollard, 16, provides a window into the tragic effect that legislation and political rhetoric have had on trans people in America.
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
If anyone wanted to review for @aera-motsig.bsky.social for the 2027 conference but couldn't figure out the system (or you forgot), send me a message and I can add you to our list!
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Interestingly, if a kid is doing well in math or holds a growth mindset, these predict parents’ believing less over time that math failure is debilitating. That direction of effect is kind of novel! A sign we need more research on the bidirectional interplay between parents and kids in math. 8/8
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Lastly, we were able to investigate child effects on parent cognitions! For example, if their kid is doing better in math, parents tend to have higher perceptions of children’s competence (in other words, parents are attentive and attuned to how their children are doing in math). 7/8
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I suspect a lot of things have to happen in between parents agreeing with growth mindset and supporting their children’s math learning (see also doi.org/10.1037/dev0...), which means that maybe targeting other parent cognitions is better for supporting kids’ math learning. 6/8
doi.org
APA PsycNet
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I generally think it is good to have growth-related mindsets (believe that ability can grow and that failure is not debilitating). But parents' mindset beliefs did not seem to predict children’s math adjustment controlling for other parent cognitions and children’s previous adjustment. 5/8
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Parents who have high math anxiety have kids who are less well-adjusted in math on a lot of the same dimensions, replicating prior research on how parent math anxiety undermines children’s math achievement. This effect was unique from parents’ perceptions of kids’ competence. 4/8
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Parents who think their kids are doing well in math have kids who are better adjusted in math 1 year later (more growth mindset, prefer challenges, lower math anxiety, higher achievement). We controlled for kids’ prior adjustment, so there might be some self-fulfilling prophecy happening here. 3/8
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Research has come up with a lot of things that parents might think about math, learning, and their children, but studies haven’t directly compared parents’ cognitions to see what matters most. We used longitudinal data from the EMLP to compare the effects on children’s math adjustment. 2/8
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Parents have a lot of beliefs about math. Which ones are most closely tied to how their children are doing in math over time? New paper in JEP led by Carolyn MacDonald with Eva Pomerantz! dx.doi.org/10.1037/edu0... 1/8
dx.doi.org
APA PsycNet
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Reposted by Michael Barger
Mot SIG @aera-motsig.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Remember to sign up as a MotSIG reviewer! 📝📑
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
The Cimpian lab does a bit of this, with the general strategy being to break items down into two parts (e.g., first see if they agree or disagree and then see how much). Study 2 in this paper has one example with 4-5 yos: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2010.01525.x
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Dr. Kristy A. Robinson @krisarob.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
Still more exciting @aera-motsig.bsky.social programming to come today and tomorrow! Check it out at the link below #AERA2026
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
If you are awake at AERA, come see me at our lab's poster in Exhibit Hall A, 7:45-9:15! We found that direct instructions on math at efficient for problem-solving but may restrict some students' creativity.
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Mot SIG @aera-motsig.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
REGISTER RSVP!: We will be saving the list of attendees this week!
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Dr. Kristy A. Robinson @krisarob.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
SO excited for this to be out (open access)! @ljalley.bsky.social asked students what they think about when answering surveys about motivational climate. This study made a bit of a splash two AERAs ago because...1/2 @aera-motsig.bsky.social @aeradivc.bsky.social doi.org/10.1080/0022...
doi.org
Rethinking the Measurement of Motivational Climate: Understanding and Measuring Student Perceptions in University STEM Classes
One goal of motivation science is to create classroom climates that support students’ success. Workforce demands and retention problems in STEM point to a need for research on how to support the mo...
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
Tagging co-author @m-shannonclark.bsky.social who is now on Bluesky (follow her!)
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Feel free to use our measure! We hope it will help researchers next test whether teacher response types relate to children’s math outcomes in the classroom. You can find it in the supplemental materials. 7/7
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Teacher experience also predicted responses; teachers may learn to use different styles for success and failure over time. More experienced teachers reported more process responses to failure, but also more person responses to success. We have ideas about why in the paper, check it out! 6/7
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Teachers who held more of a growth mindset were less likely to report giving person responses. We saw this with parents too; the more people believe that ability can change, the less they tend to focus on abilities as the main ingredient of student outcomes. 5/7
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Why do some teachers vary? We examined a couple of explanations: their own competence in math, mindsets, math anxiety, and years of teaching experience. 4/7
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Like we found with parents, teachers reported preferring to give process responses (e.g., praising child for effort) compared to person responses. But teachers do report occasional person messages (esp. in response to children’s successes). There was also variability between teachers 3/7
Teachers reported giving frequent process responses to success and failure, with averages around 4 on a 5 point scale. Teachers report less frequent person responses to success, with an average around 2, and to failure, an average around 1.5.
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
This follows up work on parents responses, which found that person messages (e.g., emphasizing how “naturally good at math” a student is) were related to worse math adjustment in elementary-school kids over the course of one year 2/7 doi.org/10.1111/cdev...
doi.org
Parents' responses to children's math performance in early elementary school: Links with parents' math beliefs and children's math adjustment
Abstract. A new parent-report measure was used to examine parents' person and process responses to children's math performance. Twice over a year from 2017
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
New short report out from my team (Shannon Clark, Darren Henry, Jordan Rineer)! We asked elementary teachers what kinds of responses they tend to give their students in math 1/7 link.springer.com/article/10.1...
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AERA Motivation in Education SIG Graduate Students @aera-motsig-grad.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
First-time at AERA and interested in learning more about how to identify and engage in key professional events beyond academic sessions? Join our annual pre-AERA skill-building workshop on Mar 25! Register today—all GSC members are welcome! tinyurl.com/2026motsigwo...
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AERA Motivation in Education SIG Graduate Students @aera-motsig-grad.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
With AERA 2026 coming up, we wanted to offer a space for first (or second) time attendees to meet other MotSIG members & learn about available resources regarding “how to AERA”! This virtual event will take place Friday, March 27th, 2026, 3PM-4PM EST. Register: tinyurl.com/MotSIGMeet
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Jeff Greene @jeffgreene.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Again, the modern world, where so many get their news from digital sources like social media, requires that people actively and effectively curate those sources. Here's one guide to doing so: www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psyc...
psychologytoday.com
How We Can Make the Internet Helpful Again
Amid an infodemic of misinformation and manipulation, it feels like the Internet uses us more than we use it. Taking back control is possible.
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Nate Woznicki @woznickin.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
We're looking for a lab manager at the Cognitive Development Lab! Feel free to let me know if you (or one of your students) has any questions about what it's like to work here!
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KiDLAB @kidlab.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
💰Economic inequality is on the rise, and children will bear its burden. Yet children’s perspectives are rarely considered. We urgently need research to understand economic inequality from children's perspectives. (1/4) rdcu.be/e3Qlb
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
A lesson about the theory/practice divide, for sure! Or he's a troll
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
My 7 yo's new impression of me: "Der, I don't know how to raise a kid"
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Kristina Olson @olsonista.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Are you a US-based PhD student WITHOUT summer funding who is interested in adolescent development, trans youth, and/or gender? Reach out to me about applying to join my lab in Summer 2026 for the VIPS program! psych.princeton.edu/diversity/vi...
psych.princeton.edu
Visiting Internship for Ph.D. Students (VIPS) Program
The VIPS program is an initiative of the DEI committee of the Department of Psychology at Princeton University. VIPS will support up to 4 Ph.D. students who are full-time students at other universitie...
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Don't forget to apply to work with us at UGA! Deadline is October 1.
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
My department is hiring an assistant professor of educational psychology who researches and teaches motivation in schools! My contact info is in the job posting, please reach out if you have any questions. www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/440...
ugajobsearch.com
Assistant Professor (Applied Cognition and Development)
The Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Applied Cognition and Development Program to begin August 2026....
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Andy Pinedo @profandy.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
The Human and Organizational Development department at Vanderbilt University is hiring a senior and junior faculty member whose research focus is on social innovation and/or entrepreneurship for strengthening communities. Apply if you’d like to work in an incredibly interdisciplinary department!
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Alex Browman @alexbrowman.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
The College of the Holy Cross is hiring for 2 tenure-track psychology positions: 1 in Cognitive Psychology (specifically, higher-order cognition) and 1 in Developmental Psychology. Please share widely! Developmental job ad: apply.interfolio.com/171704 Cognitive job ad: apply.interfolio.com/171698
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
My department is hiring an assistant professor of educational psychology who researches and teaches motivation in schools! My contact info is in the job posting, please reach out if you have any questions. www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/440...
ugajobsearch.com
Assistant Professor (Applied Cognition and Development)
The Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Applied Cognition and Development Program to begin August 2026....
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Erin Reed @erininthemorning.com · 23/05/2025
Hey folks, I have a HUGE request from the Trevor Project and would appreciate help getting the word out. Trevor is now recruiting for it's 2025 National Youth Survey. They need people 13-24, LGBTQ+, in the United States to take it. This research is critical to LGBTQ+ rights. Take it here:
trevorredcap.trvr.org
To proceed to the survey, please check off the box and click the button below.
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John Sakaluk @johnsakaluk.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
My Phd student Noah is recruiting Trans* and Non-Binary folks to participate in a survey study on well-being (uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...). Check it out if relevant and of interest to you, and appreciate any signal boosting in your networks!
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Emily Rosenzweig @emilyqr.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
HUGE Congratulations to the newest Dr. in the house, @yuchenedpsych.bsky.social , who defended his dissertation this morning!
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Come join our department at UGA as Clinical Assistant Professor of Gifted and Creative Education! www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/414...
ugajobsearch.com
Clinical Assistant Professor (Gifted and Creative Education)
The Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time clinical assistant professor to serve in the Gifted and Creative Education (GCE) Area of Emph...
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Patrick Beymer @pnbeymer.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
New paper out w/ @emilyqr.bsky.social where we tested a weekly utility-value intervention in physics and chemistry classrooms. We talk through the nuances and boundaries of using a more ecologically momentary intervention in educational contexts. www.researchgate.net/publication/... #edsky
researchgate.net
(PDF) Testing a Weekly Utility Value Intervention in College Physics and Chemistry Courses
PDF | We developed, implemented, and evaluated a weekly utility-value intervention (UVI) in which college students were asked to reflect on the value of... | Find, read and cite all the research you n...
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Emily Rosenzweig @emilyqr.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
We know a lot about STEM attrition, but tons of students change career plans WITHIN STEM. Who are these students and what motivates their career plan changes? I'm happy to share a new publication at Journal of Educational Psychology, which examines this topic. (1/5)
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Brenna Hassinger-Das @blhassinger.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Consider taking my student's survey, if you qualify! pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_...
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Jeff Greene @jeffgreene.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
If you've found yourself making impassioned arguments like "There's no evidence for learning styles and there are better ways to differentiate" or "Learning is more than just a cognitive process" then you may be Learning Scholar! Want to be added to this starter pack? Contact me! go.bsky.app/CBPm1dV
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Michael Barger @mmbarger.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Happy to see all these motivation researchers and developmental scientists over here!
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Carlton J. Fong @carltonfong.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
Not sure if I did this right or not, but here are scholars who study motivation in educational settings, mostly affiliated with @aera-motsig.bsky.social and @aeraedresearch.bsky.social go.bsky.app/3PuVgdT
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Darwin A. Guevarra @darwinguevarra.bsky.social · 08/10/2024
I am recruiting graduate students to join the Affective Science and Psychophysiology lab at Miami University in the Fall of 2025! I would appreciate it if you could share this with your networks. Link: www.darwinguevarra.com
darwinguevarra.com
Affective Science and Psychophysiology Lab
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