The importance of grit in student success: Why “smarts” aren’t everything
For families
While many factors go into a child’s academic success, research shows that intelligence doesn’t usually determine grades or graduation rates. Instead, learners with strong “noncognitive” skills like grit, passion, and a growth mindset are most likely to meet their goals and stay motivated.
Students, no matter their past performance, will face challenges. How they respond to those challenges matters most. Grit in the face of setbacks is one of the characteristics that researchers have found to lead to long-term success for children from all backgrounds, regardless of past performance, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
All students can benefit from grit even if they’re already doing well academically, and all students can learn to be gritty with support. Some schools do specifically try to cultivate grit and other “soft” skills in their students, but cognitive skills remain the focus in most classrooms.
Parents and caregivers who want their children to have grit can help them develop it in various ways at home. Working with a tutor can also help facilitate that growth.
So, what does it mean to be gritty, and how can tutoring help your child develop it?
Grit is putting continued effort toward a long-term goal, or perseverance, and maintaining unwavering interest in it, or passion. Dr. Angela Duckworth’s research on this topic found a predictive effect of grit on educational outcomes. According to her work, persistence and focused application are just as important as intellectual ability in achieving academic success.
Check out Dr. Duckworth’s viral TED Talk to learn more about her work.
While this research has been both expanded upon and critiqued, the importance of noncognitive skills continues to be relevant. For example, one subsequent finding is that grit is especially effective when coupled with a growth mindset, or the belief that intelligence and the ability to learn are changeable rather than fixed. A growth mindset makes it easier for children to take on more challenging tasks because they trust that they can learn from those experiences, even if they are difficult.
These skills are important well beyond a child’s school years. Showing perseverance and a desire for growth are essential life skills, not just formulas for getting good grades. Cultivating these traits in your child sets them up for success in all areas of their lives.
It’s important to note that grit can be particularly valuable to children who are quick to learn academic concepts. In part because school is “easy” for them, they need opportunities to learn how to manage when they inevitably face harder challenges.
Sometimes students who are used to success will shut down the first time they fail, assuming that they can’t do it. They benefit from learning that it’s okay to have to work hard toward something, and that doing so is ultimately worth it.
Many children, especially those who feel they’re doing well in school, are likely to be resistant to the idea of tutoring. As a parents or caregiver, you may also wonder why it’s a worthy investment.
Most children need guidance in learning the self-discipline and skills it takes to get “gritty.” Fortunately, working with an online tutor one-on-one can help teach grit and other skills that will stick with them well beyond school and college.
Here are some of the things a tutor can help a child learn.
Asking for help isn’t shameful; it shows maturity. Successful leaders of all kinds, including government and business leaders, surround themselves with people who provide support and advice. A tutor is just another type of advisor.
A child can learn early on that no successful person has accomplished anything alone. In other words, they’ve received help along the way. For a student, getting help from a tutor shows they’re taking responsibility for their learning and want to grow as individuals.
Tutoring sessions are an opportunity for a child to have time set aside specifically for working on difficult tasks. While tutoring is often for students who are struggling academically, it can also provide enrichment for those who aren’t challenged at school.
In both cases, working with a tutor teaches students that when they spend time working hard, they’ll see results. This experience can lead to the development of a growth mindset, showing children that they are always capable of learning and doing more.
The fear of failure is real, and it may be especially pronounced for young scholars. A qualified tutor understands this fear and will create a safe space for a child to learn from their mistakes instead of feeling shame for them.
The best tutors don’t expect perfection; they encourage and celebrate progress. And through encouraging and compassionate communication, skilled tutors help their students realize that as long as they keep working and show true grit, they’ll never fail.
Remind tutors know how to break down concepts for students who are struggling academically, as well as how to connect with and challenge high-achieving students. They give your child the personalized attention they need to thrive and meet their long-term goals, both in and out of school.
Contact Remind today to learn how online tutoring can help your child understand the importance of grit in achieving their educational goals.
