Promoting Grit, Tenacity, and Perseverance

In a week when tenacity and 'bull-dogged perseverance" have been watch words in the office of Adult and Professional Studies, The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology has made available a research report on "PROMOTING GRIT, TENACITY, AND PERSEVERANCE: CRITICAL FACTORS FOR SUCCESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY"
[http://www.ed.gov/edblogs/technology/files/2013/02/OET-Draft-Grit-Report-2-17-13.pdf]

This research report is part of a growing understanding in the Unites States that in order to prepare students for success in the 21st century, there must be a focus not only on "content knowledge" but on non-cognitive factors, including tenacity and grit. Grit is defined as, "Perseverance to accomplish long-term or higher-order goals in the face of challenges and setbacks, engaging a student's psychological resources, such as their academic mindsets, effortful control, and strategies and tactics." (vii)

Even as the U.S. looks at grit and determination at all levels of education, we note that these same characteristics are vital to the success of adult learners who face multiple challenges in balancing family, work, and ministry even while pursuing a college education. Adult learners too, can benefit from these reminders:

1. Have a growth mindset. Difficulty is not failure, but part of the road to success.
2. Maintain your clarity. Why are you investing your effort in adult learning?
3. Apply your learning to your life now.
4. Make learning work for you. Know your learning styles and work with, not against them.
5. Develop specific strategies that will keep you engaged and moving ahead toward your degree.