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Grit is the quality that allows an individual to work hard and maintain focus-not just for weeks or months, but for years. In each study, she and her research team asked the same question: “Who is successful here and why?”Īcross numerous contexts, one characteristic emerged as a significant predictor of success: grit. We’ll discuss how Angela Duckworth came to her conclusions about grit, what her thoughts are now nearly six years after her wildly popular TED Talk went live, and how you can foster grit in your students.ĭuckworth studied children and adults in challenging environments, including West Point military cadets, national spelling bee contestants, and rookie teachers in difficult schools. And even those who believe in the power of grit aren’t always sure how to encourage it in their students. While many recognize grit as crucial to the learning process, some hold that focusing solely on grit means losing track of other important factors that impact student learning. Since her 2013 TED Talk, Duckworth’s theory of grit has received a lot of attention and discussion, both good and bad. We’ll take a deeper dive into her research and consider the role of grit in the classroom in 2019, nearly six years after Duckworth delivered her TED Talk.Īn Overview of Angela Duckworth’s Research on Grit
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The realization prompted her to leave her middle school classroom and become a research psychologist so she could better understand the role that foundational skills like self-control and perseverance play in achievement.ĭuckworth gave a TED Talk in 2013 explaining how grit-i.e., perseverance and passion for long-term goals-is a significant predictor of success. Go to and use promo code GOODLIFE and you’ll receive a 35% discount.This blog post was updated on Mato include more current research, information, and opinions on grit in the classroom.Īngela Duckworth, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, was teaching seventh grade math in New York City public schools when she noticed that her best students were not necessarily her smartest students.
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