Angela Duckworth

Definition

Angela Duckworth is a psychologist known for her research on grit, which she defines as a combination of passion and perseverance towards long-term goals. Her work emphasizes the importance of resilience and sustained effort in achieving success, particularly in educational and professional settings. By highlighting how grit can be developed and measured, Duckworth's findings connect deeply with the themes of resilience and perseverance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angela Duckworth's research found that grit is a better predictor of success than talent or intelligence in various fields, including education and business.
2. She developed the Grit Scale, a measurement tool designed to assess an individual's level of grit based on their passion for and commitment to long-term goals.
3. Duckworth emphasizes that grit can be cultivated through deliberate practice and a supportive environment, suggesting that it's not solely an innate trait.
4. Her book, 'Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,' outlines her research findings and offers insights on how individuals can develop grit.
5. Duckworth’s work has influenced educational practices, encouraging schools to focus on developing students' resilience and perseverance rather than just academic performance.

Review Questions

• How does Angela Duckworth's concept of grit relate to the idea of resilience in achieving long-term goals?
  • Angela Duckworth's concept of grit closely aligns with resilience as both emphasize the importance of maintaining effort and commitment over time. Grit involves not only passion for a goal but also the perseverance required to overcome obstacles along the way. This connection highlights that resilience is not just about bouncing back from setbacks but also about pushing forward despite challenges to achieve long-term aspirations.
• In what ways can educators incorporate Angela Duckworth's research on grit into their teaching strategies to foster perseverance in students?
  • Educators can incorporate Angela Duckworth's research by creating an environment that encourages students to set long-term goals and supporting them through challenges. They can teach skills related to self-regulation, promote a growth mindset, and provide opportunities for deliberate practice. By recognizing effort and resilience in students rather than just outcomes, teachers can help cultivate grit, leading to better academic performance and personal development.
• Evaluate the implications of Angela Duckworth's findings on grit for business leaders aiming to build resilient teams.
  • Angela Duckworth's findings on grit suggest that business leaders should prioritize fostering a culture that values passion and perseverance within their teams. By encouraging employees to pursue long-term objectives with sustained effort, leaders can create a more resilient workforce capable of navigating challenges effectively. This evaluation indicates that implementing strategies for developing grit—such as providing mentorship opportunities and celebrating incremental achievements—can lead to enhanced team performance and overall organizational success.

Related terms

Grit: A trait characterized by passion and sustained persistence applied toward long-term achievement.

Mindset: The established set of attitudes held by someone that influences their responses to challenges and setbacks, often categorized as either fixed or growth mindset.

Self-Regulation:

The ability to control one’s emotions, behaviors, and thoughts in the pursuit of long-term goals, often linked to resilience.