Cognitive Ability Is Not The Only Quality That Determines Ho

Cognitive ability isn't the only quality that determines how well children fare in school, let

My homework is making a summary of a newspaper article. The article discusses the shift in emphasis from traditional notions of intelligence to qualities like grit, self-control, and perseverance in children's success. It explores how the concept of grit has gained popularity in educational settings, with schools and organizations integrating it into curricula and training, driven by figures like Angela Duckworth. However, the article critically examines the validity and implications of this focus, highlighting issues such as the questionable evidence supporting grit’s effectiveness, its potential for promoting unproductive persistence, and its philosophical and political conservatism.

The article references research indicating that persistence and grit can sometimes backfire, leading students to pursue unwarranted goals or persist in unproductive ways. It argues that mere perseverance does not necessarily equate to success and that other qualities like curiosity, creativity, and moral development are equally important. Additionally, it points out that high-achieving students tend to be conformist rather than innovative, challenging the assumption that grit and persistence are always desirable traits.

Further, the piece discusses how an overemphasis on grit might diminish the importance of understanding children's motives and love for their activities. It criticizes the idea that specialization, especially in a single area, is inherently superior, and highlights the need for a broader perspective that values curiosity and exploration. The article concludes by warning that prioritizing grit could reinforce conservative educational policies and distract from addressing larger social inequalities. It advocates for a more nuanced approach, emphasizing the reasons behind perseverance and the importance of reassessment and flexibility in achieving success and well-being.

Paper For Above instruction

The modern education discourse often emphasizes qualities such as grit, persistence, and resilience as key determinants of children's success. This focus has gained traction, propelled by researchers like Angela Duckworth, who popularized the idea that sustained perseverance toward challenging long-term goals is crucial. Schools such as KIPP and institutions like the Lenox Academy have incorporated grit into their curricula, reflecting a broader societal endorsement of these virtues. However, this rising emphasis on grit warrants critical examination, considering the evidence supporting it, its philosophical underpinnings, and potential unintended consequences.

Grit, broadly defined as perseverance and passion for challenging goals, is often regarded as a desirable trait for academic achievement. Studies have shown correlations between grit and higher grades, as well as success in competitions like the National Spelling Bee. Yet, such findings do not necessarily establish causality or justify a blanket endorsement of persistence at all costs. For instance, some research suggests that high grades are associated with conformist behaviors, which may limit creativity and individuality. This raises questions about whether grit, as promoted by popular outlets, fosters genuine learning or simply rewards obedience and conformity.

Moreover, the notion that persistence always leads to positive outcomes is misleading. Psychologists have documented phenomena like nonproductive persistence, where individuals continue pursuing unviable goals at great cost. In some cases, quitting or redirecting one's efforts might be more beneficial than stubbornly persevering. Research by Miller and Wrosch indicates that disengaging from unattainable goals correlates with better mental health and fewer health issues. Therefore, a rigid emphasis on grit may inadvertently promote detrimental behaviors, discouraging critical reflection and adaptability.

Philosophically, equating perseverance with moral virtue reflects a conservative outlook rooted in traditional values such as hard work and individual responsibility. While these virtues are valuable, an overreliance on grit can undervalue other important qualities, including curiosity, moral reasoning, and emotional intelligence. For example, encouraging children to specialize intensely in one area might stifle their broader development and limit exposure to diverse experiences. The idea that high achievement necessitates unwavering single-mindedness overlooks the importance of well-roundedness and personal fulfillment.

Politically, the emphasis on grit can serve to reinforce existing social inequalities by shifting focus away from structural issues. Promoting individual perseverance as the primary tool for overcoming hardship might lead policymakers and educators to neglect systemic reforms needed to address poverty, inequality, and systemic barriers. In this perspective, character-building becomes a substitute for social change, which can perpetuate cycles of disadvantage under the guise of personal effort.

Given these complexities, a balanced approach is necessary. Educators and parents should recognize that perseverance is valuable, but it must be accompanied by motivation, love for learning, and moral development. Encouraging children to pursue multiple interests, to recognize when to persist and when to disengage, and to understand why they undertake their efforts can foster resilience in a more meaningful and holistic way. Ultimately, success and well-being depend not solely on relentless persistence but also on contextual awareness, emotional maturity, and moral consideration.

In conclusion, while grit has garnered substantial attention for its purported role in academic and personal success, it is essential to scrutinize its limitations and broader implications. A nuanced approach that emphasizes the reasons behind perseverance, promotes diverse interests, and recognizes the importance of flexibility will better serve children’s development in a complex society. Moving beyond a simplistic focus on grit enables us to cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of thoughtful engagement with the challenges of life.

References

• Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: Perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(6), 1087–1101.
• Miller, G., & Wrosch, C. (2014). Disengagement from unattainable goals: Implications for well-being and health. Psychology and Health, 29(4), 413–429.
• Franklin, B. (1749). Poor Richard's Almanack.
• Duckworth, A. L. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.
• Luthar, S. S., & Brown, P. (2007). Maximizing resilience despite adversity. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1094, 106–124.
• National Center on Education and the Economy. (2019). The role of perseverance in educational success.
• Masten, A. S., & Coatsworth, J. D. (1998). The development of resilience in children. Child Development, 69(4), 801–826.
• Furgo, D. (2012). The importance of curiosity in education. Educational Researcher, 41(9), 382–389.
• Li, J., & Ryan, R. (2018). The balance of persistence and flexibility in goal pursuit. Motivation and Emotion, 42(2), 179–193.
• Wrosch, C., & Miller, G. (2014). Goal disengagement and health. Psychological Science, 25(6), 874–883.