I’ve been doing some
reading on this topic, and this is what I’ve come to learn.
Grit is a formidable attitude when things get tough. It’s
understanding that even as we’re struggling through something, we’re blessed to
learn through our struggles. Grit is having the perseverance to keep
trying. It’s not giving up. It’s hoping. It’s knowing that
true success is achieved by our honest efforts.
I think it’s no coincidence our founding fathers of the
Declaration of Independence used the phrase “life, liberty, and pursuit of
happiness…” as they did not take for granted that “happiness” would simply be
bestowed upon us. Through grit, we were meant to pursue and earn our
“happiness.” We chase “happiness” with our hours of hard work and
commitment. Grit is failing, getting up, and doing it again.
Perhaps failure is the greatest teacher of grit.
But, can grit be taught? The answer is YES!
First, self-perception matters. Students need to be taught
their beliefs about themselves affect ability to succeed. Their
self-perception about their work and how they can improve impacts their
performance. Conversely, negative self-perception leads to a spiraling
circle of dreadful outcomes.
Next, students should understand the meaning of optimism.
How do students perceive setbacks? Do they view setbacks as permanent or
temporary problems? Do they take ownership of the problem or cast the
blame on others? Ideally, students should perceive difficult school tasks
as temporary and take some degree responsibility for overcoming those tasks.
Furthermore, teach students to use cognitive reappraisal to build
resiliency. What is
cognitive reappraisal? Cognitive
reappraisal is an emotion regulation strategy in which a student is taught to
reinterpret situations that may initially be viewed negatively. For
example, a student fails a math test. Initially, the student thinks
negatively about his or her performance. But, upon reappraisal, the
student may begin to see the math result as a challenge to better him or
herself. In short, teach the kids that “If life give you lemons, make
lemonade.”
Finally, help students deepen their knowledge of who they are as
individuals. One of life’s greatest discoveries is understanding one’s
purpose and usefulness in relation to others. When a student begins to
understand their purpose, they are more likely to be grittier to achieve their
desired outcome.
Thanks for reading! Wiki Ricardo
YOU GOT GRIT? CE
STUDENTS DO!
