Notes on Lecture by Joseph Geni

Introduction

• Transition from management consulting to teaching seventh-grade math in NYC.
• Experience creating quizzes, tests, and grading.

Key Observations

• Noticed differences in performance among students beyond IQ scores.
• Strong performers lacked high IQ, while some smart students struggled academically.
• Belief that all students could learn the material with enough effort.

Shift to Psychology

• Pursued graduate studies in psychology to understand motivation and learning.
• Questioned the role of factors beyond IQ in academic and life success.

Research Findings

Contexts of Study

• Studied success predictors in various settings:
  • West Point Military Academy: retention of cadets.
  • National Spelling Bee: predicting competition advancement.
  • Rookie teachers in tough neighborhoods: retention and effectiveness.
  • Private companies: salespeople's job security and earnings.

Emergence of Grit

• Definition of Grit:
  • Passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
  • Stamina and commitment over time.
  • Living life like a marathon, not a sprint.

Study in Chicago Public Schools

• Conducted grit questionnaires with high school juniors.
• Result: Grittier students had higher graduation rates, regardless of factors like family income or test scores.

Importance of Grit

• Grit is crucial in various environments, including schools, especially for at-risk students.
• Surprisingly little scientific knowledge on how to cultivate grit.

Common Questions

• Parents and teachers often ask how to instill grit in children.
• Current understanding: Talent does not equate to grit; many talented individuals lack follow-through.

Potential Solution: Growth Mindset

• Concept by Carol Dweck at Stanford University.
• Emphasizes that learning ability can grow with effort.
• Learning about brain development helps children persevere through failure.

Call to Action

• Need for more research on building grit.
• Importance of testing ideas and measuring success.
• Emphasis on resilience and learning from failures to instill grit in kids.

Conclusion

• Final thoughts on the importance of being gritty in efforts to help children develop grit.
• Thank you and applause.