The key to success? Grit video review

http://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_the_key_to_success_grit


I like what Ms. Duckworth says, but I'm not sure that this is something all educators don't know already. Of course it's "passion and perseverance" and "stamina" that create success. I admire that Ms. Duckworth was motivated to find the answer and backed up an inference made by teachers with substantial study and data. In the video, however, the most important question, "How do I keep kids motivated?" is left unanswered. Ms. Duckworth says, "I don't know." The Growth Mindset approach of teaching students about the brain, learning, and metacognition is an excellent start, but the larger way to encourage motivation in students would be a change in some of our societal attitudes. There is a strain of anti-intellectualism that has pervaded American culture from the beginning. Sadly, the anti-intellectualist perspective is promoted every day in our television, movies, and media. When someone has the "grit" to hold off before making a quick-fire decision, preferring instead to study the matter more deeply, we label that individual indecisive or weak. Our school systems, as well, ironically play a part in the culture of anti-intellectualism. We place more emphasis on succeeding in sports than in academics. Students who do have the "grit" to study longer, or who display an authentic love of learning, are, at times, chastised by their peers and labeled "geeks." Some in the public denigrate teachers, speaking out vociferously, implying that educators are lazy and don't really have a serious profession. The implication is that teachers, because they don't make a lot of money, aren't worth much anyway. In addition, our public education system, the bastion of our democracy, is under attack. All of these factors contribute to a "gritless" "want-it-all-now" and "what-good-is-school anyway?" culture. Let us all, as members of a great society, change our attitudes. Then the "grit" will emerge with newfound passion.