Diverse Learning and Grit

Grit is a concept that has gained significant attention in education and is often described as the ability to persevere and maintain long-term goals in the face of adversity. Proponents of grit argue that it is a key factor in student success, particularly in challenging academic environments. The power of grit lies in its ability to help students overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and persist through difficult times. When students have grit, they are more likely to take on difficult tasks, work hard, and push through setbacks.

However, there are also some potential problems associated with the concept of grit. One issue is that it can sometimes be used to justify a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality that overlooks systemic barriers that may be preventing some students from succeeding. Additionally, there is a risk that an overemphasis on grit could lead to students feeling like they are responsible for their own success or failure, rather than recognizing the role of external factors like access to resources, support, and opportunities.

Another problem with the concept of grit is that it is often narrowly defined and may not be inclusive of all students' experiences. For example, students who have experienced trauma or other challenges may not fit the traditional mold of a "gritty" student, but may still possess strengths and qualities that contribute to their success. Often, the idea of grit means that we leave students behind who have traditionally been excluded from the learning process such as those I examined in my earlier case studies in the West Fresno, CA and East Austin, TX neighborhoods.

Overall, while grit can be a powerful tool for helping students succeed, it is important to be mindful of its limitations and potential drawbacks. It is essential to approach grit as one of many factors that contribute to student success, rather than a silver bullet solution to complex educational challenges.

In her book "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance," Angela Duckworth presents her research on the concept of grit, which she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance. She argues that grit is a key factor in predicting success in a variety of areas, including education, sports, and business.

Duckworth begins by exploring what grit is and how it differs from other traits like intelligence and talent. She then delves into the science of grit, drawing on her own research and that of other psychologists, to demonstrate how grit can be developed and cultivated.

Throughout the book, Duckworth uses real-life examples of "gritty" individuals from a variety of fields, including athletes, artists, and business leaders, to illustrate how grit can lead to success. She also explores the role of grit in education, arguing that traditional metrics like test scores and grades may not fully capture the qualities that lead to long-term success.

One of the key takeaways from the book is that grit is not innate - it can be developed and improved through deliberate practice and effort. Duckworth provides practical tips and strategies for cultivating grit, including developing a growth mindset, setting clear goals, and seeking feedback.

Again, I must mention briefly that this idea of "pulling yourself up by the bootstraps" assumes that the only thing that seperates people from knowledge gaining and retention is hard work. This idea does not represent those who may have less supports and are at a socioeconomic advantage. I think that it is important to consider multiple factors and considerations of learners other than just by hard work alone.

In the article, 5 Characteristics of Grit -- How Many Do You Have?, by Margaret Perlis, the author discusses the concept of grit and its relation to educational psychology. Perlis opens by recalling a recent visit with some friends that had worked in education for over 40 years. From that conversation, they reached the following conclusion. Students these days lack grit and seem to be growing soft. 

The author makes reference to Angela Duckworth, the scholar who has been at the forefront of the research behind grit and is known for her TED Talk she delivered on the subject. Perlis goes on to quote the 5 characteristics of grit as outlined by Duckworth, which are courage, conscientiousness, resilience, excellence, and passion.   

Courage is the willingness to take risks and overcome fears is a key component of grit. This includes having the courage to fail and to persist in the face of setbacks.

Gritty (a person full of grit) individuals are conscientious and take their responsibilities seriously. They are organized, reliable, and diligent in their efforts to achieve their goals.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks. Gritty individuals are able to persevere through difficult times and maintain a positive attitude even when things don't go according to plan.

Gritty individuals are focused on achieving excellence in their chosen field or endeavor. They are always striving to improve and are willing to put in the hard work required to achieve their goals.

Passion is the driving force behind grit. Gritty individuals are deeply committed to their goals and are passionate about what they do. This passion gives them the motivation and energy they need to persist through difficult times.

Duckworth notes that these five characteristics are not independent of one another - they are interrelated and work together to form a cohesive whole. For example, courage and resilience are necessary to maintain a strong sense of passion, while excellence and conscientiousness are required to achieve success in the long-term. By cultivating these five characteristics, individuals can develop the grit they need to achieve their goals and succeed in education and beyond.

Now, I know that I have been critical of Duckworth and her philosophy of grit, however, I am skeptical rightfully so. As I've mentioned, Duckworth's idea of grit can be misconstrued to seem like the only reason a student cannot achieve something is because they aren't trying hard enough or they aren't applying themselves. In my opinion, this is a false premise. What about students who don't even realize that they have opportunities available to them? Are they not exhibiting grit based solely on their ignorance?