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The Importance of Grit in Math Education
India White • Jun 01, 2023
The Importance of Grit in Math Education
The Importance of Grit in Math Education
Mathematics is a universal language that requires persistence, determination, and resilience. Students who possess these qualities are more likely to succeed in math than those who do not. Grit, defined as the combination of passion and perseverance (Duckworth, 2016), is a key factor in math achievement. Together, we will discover the relevance of grit in math education and provide tips for teachers to help their students develop this essential trait.
Research has shown that grit is a significant predictor of academic success, including math achievement (Duckworth et al., 2007). Students who possess grit are more likely to persist through challenging math problems, take risks, and bounce back from setbacks. In contrast, students who lack grit may give up easily, avoid challenges, and struggle to recover from failure and math anxiety.
So, why is grit so important in math education? First, math is a subject that requires practice and repetition. Students who possess grit are more likely to stick with math problems until they understand them. Second, math is a subject that requires problem-solving skills. Students who possess grit are more likely to persevere through difficult problems and find creative solutions. As students persevere, they are able to thrive during productive struggle, and eventually grasp the conceptual understanding for the lesson being taught. Further, math is a subject that requires confidence. Students who possess grit are more likely to believe in their ability to succeed in math. However, this confidence comes from students with strong mathematical identities and to those who are willing to grab a hold of a growth mindset in efforts to embrace forward thinking and give math a shot.
Here are five tips for teachers to help their students develop grit in math education:
1. Encourage a growth mindset:
Teach students that their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication. Encourage them to view challenges as opportunities for growth. As students confess that they “can’t do the math” or that it’s “too hard”, take the opportunity to model the math, and then gradually release while empowering them to take charge as they refer to prior knowledge and instructional lessons reviewed previously.
2. Provide opportunities for practice:
Give students ample opportunities to practice math skills.
Encourage them to persevere through difficult problems and provide feedback to help them improve. Remind them that getting the wrong answer or making mistakes is a part of learning and a part of their growth process. Commend them for risks taken, and continue to scaffold them towards proficiency.
3. Set high and realistic expectations: Set high expectations
for your students and communicate these expectations clearly. Encourage them to strive for excellence and provide support to help them achieve their goals. Remind them of your expectations as you walk around and check for understanding and provide feedback as they continue to accelerate in their learning.
4. Celebrate effort and progress being made:
Recognize and celebrate students' efforts, not just their achievements. Encourage them to take risks and try new things, even if they don't always succeed. Sometimes, all students need is simple reassurance through a compliment or a gesture to let them know that they are on the right track. Use your support for them and the knowledge you’ve gained as you’ve built your relationships with students to tailor your feedback to their direct needs and interests. And when they do succeed, celebrate every step!
5. Model grit in math problem solving:
Model grit in your own teaching practice. As you are implementing instructional delivery, use reflective language to help students empathize with you as you work through various problems with the class. Share stories of your own struggles and successes in math. Encourage students to see you as a role model for succeeding in math as you harness grit and perseverance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grit is a key factor in math achievement. Students who possess grit are more likely to persist through challenging math problems, take risks, and bounce back from setbacks. Teachers can help their students develop grit by encouraging a growth mindset, celebrating the efforts and modeling grit during problem solving. Continue to be the best advocate for your students as they thrive through grit in your classroom. With grit, all students can overcome their math hurdles and soar in math.
‼️So grateful for the opportunity to hear testimonials and reviews from a few rockstar educators about their takeaways and experiences from my Equitable math 🧮 practices session at MCTM in Minnesota this weekend🤩! It's inspiring to hear teachers who provide feedback and work to close the achievement gap. 🥰Let's continue learning from each other and making a difference in the lives of our students! #teacherappreciation #education #equitablemath #achievementgap #drindiawhite #teachers #tedx #equity Check out the session highlights here:
‼️Listen as a gritty Middle Eastern teacher explains how attending my Equity Keynote at the Math conference, helped her connect her experience as a BIPOC educator with her perspective on how to implement equitable practices for all students and relate to students of different cultures! #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #dei #math #education #teachers #students #bipoc #savvas #nctm #ncsm #bwxme #nabse #habse #uf
I urge you to take a moment to listen to Dr. India White's enlightening TEDx talk, "The Power of Grit," where she delves into what drives grit in the lives of leaders, teachers, and students every day. In this captivating presentation, Dr. White offers invaluable insights into the transformative potential of grit—the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. As educators and leaders, we play a pivotal role in instilling and nurturing grit among our students and colleagues. Dr. White's talk serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we cultivate grit within ourselves and those we influence. I encourage you to watch the TEDx talk for a deeper understanding of how grit can drive success in our classrooms, workplaces, and lives.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Alumni Gainesville reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
I am beyond grateful and honored to have the opportunity to speak at UF's Young Alumni reception and share the powerful message of grit with the new graduates from the University of Florida. As leaders, we have a unique platform and responsibility to inspire and empower the next generation as they embark on their journey beyond the university walls. Grit is more than just a buzzword; it is the unwavering determination and resilience that propel individuals toward their goals, even in the face of adversity. It's about facing challenges head-on, embracing failures as opportunities for growth, and never giving up on our dreams. Today, as we gather to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable graduates, let us remind them of the power they hold within themselves. Let us encourage them to cultivate grit in all aspects of their lives, knowing that with perseverance and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their wildest dreams. As leaders, let us lead by example, showing gratitude for the opportunities we've been given and inspiring others to do the same. Let us use our voices to uplift and encourage those around us, knowing that together, we can create a brighter and more resilient future for all. Congratulations to the graduates of the University of Florida! May your journey be filled with grit, determination, and endless possibilities.
Join us on the Grit and Equity Talks Podcast with Dr. India White, where we will discuss spaced vs. mass practice for teachers! Visit www.india-white.com for more information #drindiawhite #grit #equity
🥳As the opening keynote at the WMC Annual conference, I had the opportunity to discuss equitable math practices with teachers. I am grateful to have gifted 30 copies of the Equity Counts book collaboration after my session! 🤩Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for making this happen🥰. The best is yet to come for Wisconsin teachers and students! #EquitableMath #Education #EquityCounts #savvas #drindiawhite #tedx #equity #WisconsinTeachers #StudentSuccess #wismath24 #nctm #ncsm… See more — at On Green Lake in Wisconsin.
Hanging out wit the tribe! I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at @WisMathCouncil 🤩 We applied the concept of grit in their classroom! Thanks to @SavvasLearning!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
This morning, I had the honor of being the opening keynote speaker at WMC's Annual Math Conference. 🤩The conference was a great success, with attendees discussing the importance of grit in both teachers and students. I’m excited to see Wisconsin teachers apply the concept of grit in their classrooms and help their students develop this crucial! Thanks to Savvas Learning Company for the support and encouragement!! #drindiawhite #math #grit #student #teachers @wismathcouncil #wismath24 #SAVVAS #nctm #ncsm #bwxme
‼️Attention all Wisconsin teachers! Are you ready to enhance your teaching skills and help your students develop their grit😃? If so, don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase my Grit Workbook at a discounted price! 🤗I have 50 copies available at WMC, so come and grab your copy this week🤩! #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers #wismath2024 #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #education #students #teachers