Lecture on Grit by Joseph Geni

Introduction

• Background: Left management consulting job at 27 to teach seventh-grade math in NYC public schools.
• Observation: IQ isn't the only determinant of student success. Noticed that students with varying IQs performed differently.
• Conclusion: Education needs a better understanding of students from motivational and psychological perspectives.

Transition to Psychology

• Left teaching to study psychology in graduate school.
• Research focused on identifying who succeeds and why in challenging settings.

Studies on Success

• Locations studied:
  • West Point Military Academy
  • National Spelling Bee
  • Rookie teachers in tough neighborhoods
  • Private companies
• Findings across contexts:
  • Common success trait: Grit
  • Grit > social intelligence, good looks, physical health, IQ

Definition of Grit

• Components:
  • Passion and perseverance for long-term goals
  • Stamina
  • Consistent effort over years
  • Treating life as a marathon, not a sprint

Research on Grit

• Chicago public schools:
  • High school juniors took grit questionnaires
  • Grittier kids were more likely to graduate, regardless of other factors (family income, test scores, school safety)
• Overall finding: Grit is crucial, especially for at-risk students

Building Grit

• Current challenges:
  • Limited knowledge about how to build grit
  • Talent doesn't equate to grit; sometimes inversely related
• Promising approach:
  • Growth mindset:
    • Developed by Carol Dweck at Stanford
    • Belief in ability to learn through effort
    • Understanding the brain's capacity for growth helps perseverance

Conclusion

• Need more research and testing to effectively build grit
• Emphasized the importance of persistence and willingness to fail in these efforts
• Call to action: Be gritty about making kids grittier