April 21, 2019
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Scientists find grit and determination does lead to better grades and higher achievement in school
Hard work really does pay off say scientists who found that perseverance leads to better grades and higher achievement in school.
Being passionate is not enough to ensure academic success say researchers, who identified 'grit' as a key to success. This is defined as effort in pursuing long-term goals, and the determination to continue one’s efforts in spite of adversity. Experts think that the finding could help create new training to help children develop the skill and help ensure their future successes.
Experts from the Academy of Finland studied more than 2,000 students from Helsinki. They were followed through their academic career from age 12-16, which is from sixth grade until the end of ninth grade in local school years.
Researchers found that the factor that best predicts grit was commitment to goals, with previous academic achievement playing no role in developing the skill.
Professor Katariina Salmela-Aro, who led on the study, said: 'Grit means that a young person really invests in his or her studies and does not give up easily. A key element of grit is high persistence in the face of difficulties and setbacks. The essential finding is that these factors together are the key to success and well-being. Mere purpose without grit does not lead to anything, but grit needs a purpose. Our study shows the power of grit. The results persist even if we control for personality traits, such as conscientiousness and academic persistence. '
Professor Salmela-Aro also thinks it is important to develop new interventions, practices and trials to enhance grit in children and adolescents. She added: 'Young people should see the meaning of everyday school work as part of life in a broader context and establish achievable goals for themselves. School must also serve as a place where it is safe to fail and learn to cope with setbacks. One must not be discouraged by setbacks, but draw strength and new energy from them!'
The full report was published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence.
Extracted from: www.dailymail.co.uk
