We started today by writing on the back of yesterday’s article:

can grit be taught?

No one was allowed to answer maybe or both; you had to pick one or the other. I was thrilled with the conversation that followed (hope my undergrads live up this afternoon…know they will).

“Grit can be taught given the right use of strategies and acknowledgement of how to use them.” –JF

“I think we have to teach grit to ourselves.”

“You can explain what it is and how people use it but you can’t teach how to BE it.” ES

“Some people are just born with grit and resilience. Others must be taught by doing projects they love or have a connection with.” HG

“Grit can’t be taught because it is part of someone’s personality.”

“People can tell you to have self-control or give you feedback but it’s always up to you to make it happen.”

My favorite: Grit can be taught through exposure or experience. JW

—we also had an interesting side conversation about whether you can teach someone to be happy or sad, whether emotions can be “learned”.