As Angela Lee Duckworth described in her TED talk, grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. She likens grit to a marathon rather than a sprint (Duckworth, 2013). Understanding that our students vary not only in IQ levels but also in their effort and follow-through with tasks, it's crucial to instill grit by focusing on cultivating growth mindsets. As a math teacher, I consider this essential for student success. When my students believe they can achieve something, they often reach their goals.
To nurture a belief in the power of "yet" among my students, I lead by example and demonstrate a growth mindset (Dweck, 2014). In my classroom, I enforce a simple yet meaningful rule: students are not allowed to use the word "easy." Describing a task as easy can discourage struggling students, causing them to give up and become frustrated, hindering the development of their growth mindset. My students frequently remind each other of this rule when the “E word” is mentioned. This straightforward guideline establishes a safe environment where students can struggle and continue learning. When students encounter difficulties, I emphasize that they are not incapable; they simply haven't grasped the topic yet.
It is crucial to encourage students to view constructive feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than a critique of their character. By embracing feedback, students learn to prioritize learning over grades, nurturing a growth mindset. This change in perspective promotes academic integrity and reduces the temptation to resort to cheating. It empowers students to focus on their personal growth and development rather than solely on their performance.
To prevent the growth mindset from becoming a passing trend, deeply integrating its principles into teaching methods is vital. This goes beyond merely praising effort; it involves guiding improvement. Additionally, clarifying the distinction between grit and simply making tasks harder is essential to avoid unnecessary stress and burnout. While the growth mindset is powerful, it should not exist in isolation. It must be part of a comprehensive educational approach that includes social and emotional learning, personalized lessons, and equitable teaching methods to support students' growth and development truly.
References:
Dweck, C. S. (2014). The Power of Believing That You Can Improve. TED Talks. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0mgOOSpLU
Duckworth, A. (2013). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H14bBuluwB8
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