Help Students Persevere through Difficult Math through GRIT!
India White • June 18, 2023
Help Students Persevere through Difficult Math through GRIT!
Mathematics is a subject that requires a lot of perseverance and grit. Within conceptual context of math alone, it can be a language that causes much complexity for students. It is not uncommon for students to struggle with math problems, especially when they encounter complex real-world situations and equations. However, research has shown that students who possess grit and have a “gritty mindset” are more likely to make sense of math problems and persevere through difficult challenges.
Grit is defined as the combination of passion and perseverance towards long-term goals (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007). In the context of mathematics, grit refers to the ability to persist through challenging problems and to maintain a positive attitude towards learning. Students who possess grit are more likely to view math as a challenge to be conquered rather than an obstacle to be avoided. When presenting students with challenging math, it is imperative to make sure that you as an educator have set them up for success in regard to mathematical discourse, higher order thinking and being willing to see themselves as proficient mathematicians who can take a risk in the math classroom.
One study conducted by Duckworth and colleagues (2011) found that grit was a significant predictor of academic achievement, even after controlling for other factors such as IQ and socio-economic status.
This suggests that students who possess grit are more likely to succeed in math and other academic subjects. As students are encouraged to possess a mindset to persist regardless of how tough the math seems, they will continue to fulfill each standard for mathematical practice in such a way that it will be a common way of practice as mathematicians. Students who learn to develop their math “muscles” while attending to precision
will embrace the challenge and will be thankful for each amount of struggle that will help them build upon their learning and mathematical reasoning. Further, it will give them a goal to work towards in the classroom.
In another study conducted by Dweck, and colleagues (2011) , it was revealed that students who possess a growth mindset are more likely to persevere through difficult math problems. A growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Students with a growth mindset are more likely to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. They will begin to compete within themselves to evolve into greater thinkers and will develop a positive mindset that they have something to prove.
So, how can teachers and parents help students develop GRIT Levels in their math classroom?
One strategy is to provide students with challenging math problems that require perseverance and critical thinking. Once students have understood through quality instructional delivery the expectations and the concept of the math at hand, they will aim to conceptually understand each main idea behind the lesson while choosing to persist through mental fatigue, anxiety, and moments of productive struggle.
Another strategy involves teachers encouraging math students to view mistakes made during the learning and discovery process as opportunities for learning and growth,
rather than as failures.
Providing teachers with feedback along the way can help scaffold students through moments of indecisiveness and can bring great clarity that will give them the confidence they need to continue moving forward. Further, allowing students through a metacognitive flow of higher order thinking, questioning and risk-taking during group work, and or independent practice will help strengthen mathematical reasoning and student voice among all learners. Hence, by providing students with a growth mindset and a positive attitude towards learning, teachers and parents can help students develop the grit necessary to succeed in math and other academic subjects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grit is an important factor in helping students make sense of math problems and persevere through difficult challenges. By developing a growth mindset and a positive attitude towards learning, students can develop the grit necessary to succeed in math and other academic subjects. Take the time to provide students with challenging math so they can build upon their learning. Also, allow them to view mistakes made along their journey as moments of discovery as they are evolving into independent math thinkers who are gritty with confident student voices. As you do this, students will thrive through perseverance in the math classroom.
References:
Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.
Duckworth, A. L., Quinn, P. D., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Positive predictors of teacher effectiveness. Journal of Positive Psychology, 6(5), 540–547.
Dweck, C. S., Walton, G. M., & Cohen, G. L. (2011). Academic tenacity: Mindsets and skills that promote long-term learning. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Let’s Get Gritty: 5 G.R.I.T.-Powered Tips for Starting Off the School Year Right The start of the school year is a powerful moment; a fresh opportunity to set the tone, establish relationships, and lay the foundation for student success. This year, I encourage you to launch your classroom with G.R.I.T.: focusing on Growth mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. These four pillars don’t just help students succeed academically—they help you, the educator, lead with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Here are 5 actionable, GRIT-filled tips to kick off your school year strong: 1. Get to Know Your Students Every student comes with a unique story. Taking time to understand their learning styles, goals, and experiences shows them that they matter. This is where growth mindset comes alive—when we believe every student can improve and grow, no matter their starting point. GRIT Tip: Use icebreakers, interest surveys, or one-on-one chats to learn more about each student. Personal connections inspire engagement and persistence. 2. Speak to EVERY Parent or Guardian Strong home-school partnerships build trust and set the tone for collaboration. When parents feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to support and partner with you throughout the year. GRIT Tip: Make it a goal to connect with every family in the first two weeks with a positive phone call, email, or message. This builds your own self-efficacy and shows families that you’re invested in their child. 3. Connect with the Community Students are more resilient when they see how their learning connects to the real world. Whether it’s inviting local leaders to speak or organizing service projects, community connections bring relevance and depth to your teaching. GRIT Tip: Tap into the power of local culture and voices. When students see their community represented in learning, they build pride and purpose. 4. Know the Data Data isn’t just numbers; it’s a guide to help you make intentional decisions. Understanding your students’ strengths, gaps, and growth areas early on helps you manage time wisely and set personalized goals. GRIT Tip: Set aside weekly time to review data and make small, consistent adjustments. Empower students to track their own progress and celebrate wins, big or small. 5. Establish Norms for Success Your classroom culture will shape how students respond to challenges. Create norms that emphasize perseverance, responsibility, and mutual respect. Make these norms student-led and revisit them often. GRIT Tip: Let students help define what success looks like in your space. When expectations are clear and co-created, students feel ownership—and that builds resilience and self-efficacy. Final Thought: This school year, let’s lead with GRIT. Let’s build classrooms where students feel empowered to grow, bounce back, and believe in themselves. When we model G.R.I.T. as educators, we equip students with the tools they need to thrive in every area of life. Ready to bring G.R.I.T. to your school or district? I offer professional development, GRIT trainings for staff and students, keynote sessions, and engaging workshops to help you start strong and stay strong throughout the year. Let’s work together to build a G.R.I.T.-driven school culture! Contact Dr. India White 📧 Email: india.white.123@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.india-white.com 📱 Instagram/Twitter: @DrIndiaWhite 🎤 Available for: PD Sessions | Keynotes | GRIT Trainings | Student Workshops | Leadership Summits Let’s get gritty and make this year your best one yet!
🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students
🌟🎉 Day 2 of the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles was incredible! We heard from amazing experts and inspiring testimonials. I was honored to close out the day with my Ignite session on Grit! 💪🔥 A huge thank you to Yolande, Denise, LAUSD, California teachers, community leaders, and students for your warmth and welcome as we bridge the achievement gap through grit! Together, we rise! 🚀✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #math #ncsm #nctm #bwxme #NAACP #nasbe #aasa #education #teachers #students
🌟 Part 1 of the Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles has been beyond my expectations! 🙌 I’ve learned so much about Black history and heard from the greatest Black experts! There is work to be done, but my hope has been rekindled! 💖 It’s time to get gritty about bridging the achievement gap! Let’s do this! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #grit #tedx #nctm #ncsm NCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsNCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationYolande Beckles #foryou #savvas #bwxme #naacp (I don’t own music copyright)
🌟 Hey Los Angeles educators! 📚 Join us at the California Endowment Center as we dive into the power of grit and more at the Black Kids Love Math Annual Summit! Let’s inspire and empower our students together! 💪✨ #drindiawhite #lausd #grit
🌟🎉 I can’t wait to see all you incredible Los Angeles educators at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit tomorrow morning ! 🚀✨ I’m super excited to talk about the power of grit and dive into some fun grit workbooks together! 💪📚 Stay gritty, everyone! Let’s do this! 🎊🙌 #drindiawhite #nctm #lausd #ncsm #nabse #bwxme #naacp #aasa (I don’t own music or background copyright)
Let’s Get Gritty at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in LA! 🔥 🎉 I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be speaking at the 2nd Annual Black Kids Love Math Summit in Los Angeles! This powerful event is all about equity, excellence, and empowering Black students in mathematics—and I’m honored to be part of it. My session will focus on a topic that’s near and dear to my heart: Cultivating G.R.I.T. in the Math Classroom. During this hands-on, engaging session, attendees will: * 📘 Flip through the G.R.I.T. Student Workbook—a powerful tool designed to build Growth mindset, Resilience, self-efficacy, and Time management in students. * 💡 Explore real strategies for integrating grit-building activities into your math instruction. * 💬 Discuss how to support students through productive struggle while helping them develop the confidence to succeed in rigorous academic environments. And then, later that evening... get ready for the IGNITE session! 🔥 We’ll dive deeper into the message that “GRIT is IT” when it comes to student achievement. We’ll talk about how grit transforms classroom culture, closes equity gaps, and turns math challenges into moments of triumph—for every student. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, or advocate—this is your chance to get inspired, get equipped, and get gritty. 📍Los Angeles, here we come! Let’s empower our students, celebrate their brilliance, and make sure they know—Black Kids Love Math and they can excel in it too. #drindiawhite #grit #LetsGetGritty #BlackKidsLoveMath #lausd #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #aasa #math #studentachievement #equity #resilience #gritintheclassroom #california
Spiritual Grit in Hard Times – Let’s Get Gritty Podcast Ep. 104 Recap We’re back with another powerful episode of the *Let’s Get Gritty Podcast*—and Episode 104 is one you don’t want to miss! In this special episode, we were joined by Apostle Andre Aris, Minister Ernestine, and a powerful audience of believers as we dove deep into the topic of spiritual grit during hard times. What is spiritual grit, and why does it matter? It’s that unshakable faith, perseverance, and strength we hold onto when life gets tough—when storms come, doors close, or we feel like giving up. In this episode, our guests shared raw, honest testimonies** of times they had to stand firm, trust God, and keep moving forward in the face of adversity. 💬 Highlights from the episode include: - Apostle Andre Aris encouraging listeners to "grit up spiritually" and hold onto their calling even when the path gets rocky. - Minister Ernestine reminding parents and community members that our trials are often the training grounds for our greatest breakthroughs. - Real talk with the audience—parents, students, and educators—about how to navigate faith, struggle, and purpose in everyday life. 🎧 Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a student, or a leader in your community, this episode is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual strength for the journey ahead. 👉 Listen to Episode 104 now on the Let’s Get Gritty Podcast (Available on all major platforms – don’t forget to subscribe!) Let’s keep pressing forward with faith, resilience, and purpose. Let’s Get Gritty—Spiritually! #LetsGetGritty #SpiritualGrit #FaithInHardTimes #TestimonyTuesday #PodcastRecap #DrIndiaWhite #PersevereWithPurpose #GritAndGrace #FaithAndGrit
Ready for the New School Year? Check Out What’s New with Dr. India White! Hey educators, leaders, and families! I’m thrilled to share my latest July newsletter, packed with exciting updates, upcoming speaking engagements, and opportunities for collaboration. As we gear up for a brand-new school year, there’s no better time to focus on what matters most—building GRIT, empowering students, and transforming education. Here’s what you’ll find inside: 🎤 Upcoming Speaking Engagements This year, I’m honored to speak at some incredible conferences and events, including: -Black Kids Love Math – 2nd Annual Math Summit -NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) Annual Conference -NCSM (National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics) Leadership Conference ...and many more across the country! Whether you’re a teacher, school leader, or educational organization looking to ignite your audience, now is the time to book me for your next keynote, PD session, or summit. Let’s make this year powerful and purpose-driven. 🎓 Enroll Your Students in the GRIT Academy Looking for a way to support your students beyond the classroom? The GRIT Academy is now enrolling students nationwide! Our certified tutors specialize in STEM and help students not only master academic content, but also develop growth mindset, resilience, self-efficacy, and time management—the key pillars of the GRIT framework. ✨ Let’s Work Together I’d love to partner with you to empower your students, staff, or district. Check out the newsletter, explore the opportunities, and reach out to book a session or enroll your students today. 📬 Click here to view the newsletter: Let’s get gritty and make this school year the best one yet! #LetsGetGritty #GritAcademy #EducationMatters #MathEquity #BackToSchool #KeynoteSpeaker #STEMSuccess #DrIndiaWhite
🎙️ Let’s Get Gritty: How Grit Carried Alexander Rivera Across the Graduation Stage This week’s episode of the Let’s Get Gritty podcast is one you don’t want to miss. We had the incredible honor of sitting down with Alexander Rivera, a recent high school graduate who beat the odds with one powerful trait—GRIT. Alexander’s story is more than just a celebration of academic achievement. It’s a living testament to how resilience, perseverance, and the right support system can transform a young life. In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Alexander shares how Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework—which focuses on Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—helped him push through obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. 🎓 From Setbacks to Success Alexander opens up about the challenges he faced during his educational journey, from personal struggles to academic hurdles. But instead of giving up, he pressed forward—step by gritty step. He attributes much of his transformation to learning how to: *Develop a growth mindset when failure felt final * Bounce back with resilience after every setback * Believe in his own ability even when others doubted * Manage his time intentionally to meet his goals With this mindset, and through the support of educators and mentors who believed in him, Alexander proudly walked the graduation stage this week—a moment he once thought would never come. 🍎 Nuggets of Wisdom for Educators, Families & Leaders In the episode, Alexander doesn’t just share his story—he delivers gold. He offers practical advice for: * Teachers: “Don’t give up on students. See past their struggle and speak to their potential. It’s your voice that sticks in our heads.” * Students: “You’re not alone. Keep pushing. Grit isn't about perfection—it's about consistency.” * Parents: “Your encouragement matters more than you realize. Even if your child doesn’t say it, they hear you.” * Principals & Superintendents: “Create opportunities for students to recover, grow, and prove themselves. Every student deserves a second chance—and sometimes a third.” 🙏 Gratitude and Paying It Forward Alexander shares his deep gratitude to Dr. India White for her mentorship, wisdom, and for showing him what it looks like to lead with grit. He also gives heartfelt thanks to The Honorable Susan Valdes, who stood by him and helped pave a path for his success. But Alexander isn’t stopping here. He’s committed to paying it forward—to becoming an educator who pours into the next generation, just as others did for him. His goal? To help students not just survive school, but thrive with grit. 💥 Final Thoughts Alexander Rivera reminds us that grit is not reserved for the gifted—it’s grown in the trenches of trial. His journey encourages us all to see every student as capable of greatness, if we’re willing to support, uplift, and believe in them—relentlessly. 👏 Tune in to this powerful episode of Let’s Get Gritty to hear Alexander’s full story. Then ask yourself: How can I help build grit in someone today? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. \#LetsGetGritty #GRIT #StudentSuccess #DrIndiaWhite #AlexanderRivera #PayItForward #GritInEducation #GraduationVictory #BuildingGRIT