3/8/2016 GETTING GRITTY: DISCOVERING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONAL QUALITIES AND STUDENT SUCCESS Lisa Enright NACADA Region 1Conference 2016 Presentation Overview My Academic Journey Focusing on what’s right - positive psychology movement What do we know about Grit based on current research in the field? Is there a relationship between Grit and resilience? Grit and self-control? What do we know about developing Trait GRIT? Can Grit be taught? If so, what interventions could you use in advising to help students develop grittiness? Mindfulness practice and future implications. My Academic Journey… 17 Years in the Academic Advising Field 12 Years as Director of Academic Advising at Rivier University: Advising Load 325 Students- Undergraduate Day and Online RN-BS Students Instructor for Student Success course to FYS Developed and currently teach online common entry course designed for returning adult learners Third Year Doctoral Student- ED.D in Leadership and Learning Research interest in Positive Psychology with a focus on GRIT, Gratitude and Mindfulness 1
3/8/2016 Looking on the Bright Side “ Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” -William James (1842-1910) 2000- Dr. Marin Seligman, newly elected president of the American Psychological Association introduced the Positive Psychology Movement Identifies attributes and innate qualities within a person that contribute to the positive functioning of individuals who experience well- being, hope, optimism and happiness How do you define Character? http://npr.tumblr.com/post/120372152195/more-and-more-people-in-education-agree-on-the Illustration credit: LA Johnson/NPR (May 28, 2015) Why Study Grit? Grit predicts achievement in really challenging and personally meaningful contexts (Duckworth, 2016). According to Grit research*, participants who had high Grit scores were more likely to: Achieve higher GPA’s Be more optimistic and happier Progress farther in their formal education Value excellence in the pursuit of their goals vs. perfection Tend to make fewer career changes, have higher job satisfaction and long-lasting relationships *see handouts for a list of empirical research 2
3/8/2016 Visualizing Grit Will Smith Video What is Grit? Dr. Angela Duckworth coined the term grit in 2007 Grit can be defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals. “The gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon; his or her advantage is stamina” (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews & Kelly, 2007). Duckworth created the 8 and 12-point Grit Scales to help researchers identify the personal qualities that make a person “gritty” - How gritty are you? Find out right now! Grit Scale Online Link http://angeladuckworth.com/grit-scale/ -OR- Google- Take the Grit Test - Penn Qualtrics account 3
3/8/2016 Interpreting Your Grit Results Half of the questions are devoted to resilience to situations of failure and adversity or work ethic Other half of the questions are about having consistent interests- passions over a long period of time. Do you stick with an idea or life goal? Interpret Grit results with caution, as they are self- reporting! Individuals hold different standards for themselves. Duckworth and other researchers are now exploring other methods of data collection to measure Grit such as a 7-point rubric to rate grit using biographical data. Can use the Grit scale with students as a reflection or conversation prompt! Grit Research in Higher Education What’s In The News About Grit? New York Times: “Who Gets to Graduate?” Tough, P. (2014) New York Times: “Testing for Joy and Grit?” - Zernike, K. (2016) These articles are in your presentation packets 4
3/8/2016 How Does Resilience Connect to Grit? Characteristic and personality trait used to measure adaptability, buoyancy, and optimism. Psychological construct that requires two specific elements: Has to be a significant threat, risk or disruption to the individual’s development The quality of adaptation or development outcome is defined as positive or good-optimistic (Masten, 2001). Gritty people tend to be resilient, but resilience is only one trait of Grit. Resilient people are not necessarily gritty! Relationship Between Self-Control and Grit Self-control (the regulation of impulses) is more relevant in everyday situations where temptation and distractions are present, whereas Grit is more relevant in challenging situations (Winkler, Gross, & Duckworth, 2016). Two routes of self-control: Cognitive strategies that depend on executive function, willpower, and the like; and emotional strategies that rely on the cultivation of ideas (Desteno, 2014). Psychological Assets of GRIT Identified by Duckworth Intrinsic Values, Interest SMART Goals Deliberate Resilience, Growth practice, self- Mindset, Grit control, Engagement formation of Hope Practice (mentors, good habits educational opportunities) Superordinate Purpose Goals, Meaning, Adapted from: http://angeladuckworth.com/qa/ Mindfulness 5
3/8/2016 How can you teach Grit? Power of “Not Yet” Future Situational Self-Control interventions Implications and ideas on Formulation of Long Term Goals and how to Personal Strength Identification develop core principles of Adaptive healthy habits (Habit Grit formation — time it takes to develop a habit) Student must know what they value and why! Mindfulness Holds the Key! Meditation, reflection and gratitude- “Your intentions become your reality!” Growth Mindset Interventions The Power of “Not Yet” -Carol Dweck Role Playing- “What If” scenarios. Share examples Emphasize Plasticity of the Brain! Grow new neurological pathways when you challenge yourself. Devise a Plan for Success- SMART Goals https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0iqO9-CIAEHkG4.jpg:large Self Control Interventions Manage your time- create and keep a daily schedule Situational Control (Should vs. Want) The “Educable Brain” ( Mischel, 2015) Creating Good Habits 6
3/8/2016 Personal Strength Interventions VIA Character Strengths Finder Mindfulness Core Principles of Mindfulness Clarifying, Setting, and Reaffirming Intention 1. Cultivating a Witnessing Awareness 2. Stabilizing Attention “What is it I want to 3. remember in this moment?” Strengthening Self-Regulation 4. Practicing Loving-Kindness 5. Adapted from Terry Fralich, L.C.P.C. www.mindfulnesscenter.org 7
3/8/2016 Mindfulness Group Activity Pass out “Growing Mindful” cards -one card to each 3 or 4 person group Read your mindfulness card and discuss how you can use this mindfulness mini-exercise when advising students? What student population would this technique work best in and why? Parting Thoughts, Packet Overview and Questions… I.Q. is not a valid predictor of future academic success- personal qualities and traits such as Grit, Growth Mindset, Self-Control and mindfulness have proven to be stronger indicators of future academic success and overall personal life satisfaction. Practicing mindfulness may hold the key to learning self-control, staying true to your passion and long- term goals (Grit) and a growth mindset Packet articles and resources. Questions? References Desteno, D. (2014, September 15). A feeling of control: How America can finally learn to deal with its impulses. Pacific Standard . 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. Fralich, T. (2016). Advanced mindfulness techniques that change the brain (pp.12). Eau Claire, WI: PESI Eskreis-Winkler, L., Gross, J. J., & Duckworth, A. L., (in press). Grit: Sustained self-regulation in the service of superordinate goals. In K. D. Vohs and R. F. Baumeister (Eds.), Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory and applications. New York, NY: Guilford. Masten, A.S. (2001). Ordinary Magic: Resilience processes in development. American Psychologist , 56, 227-238. Mischel, W. (2015). How mind and brain enable self-control: Marshmallows and beyond . Columbia Unversity, Self-Control Conference, MIT-Harvard, MA. Lecture William James. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved March 7, 2016, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamjam163783.html 8
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