Can Getting to Grips with Grit Reconnect the Gen-Z Undergraduate Mindset and Learner-Centered Educators?

Abstract

This review presents a dialogue pondering whether getting to grips with the concept of grit can effectively reconnect learner-centered educators with the modern Gen-Z undergraduate mindset. Popularized by pioneering education psychologist Dr. Angela Duckworth as a combination of perseverance and passion for long-term goals, grit is synthesized in educational literature through its dual dimensions: perseverance of effort and consistency of interest. This study explores the concept as a potential catalyst for student engagement, motivation, and overall well-being, highlighting how higher levels of grit empower undergraduates with cognitive control and optimal emotional regulation. However, the framework faces noteworthy critique; its predictive power and validity remain somewhat inconsistent due to limited statistical power, and Duckworth's Grit Scale overlaps essentially with fundamental personality traits. Ultimately, this review explores future directions for refining how grit can be engaged as a crucial education dimension, and proposes targeted interventions to support Gen-Z undergraduates throughout their journey of educational experiences. Connecting within this generational gap requires active engagement and collaboration between educators and students, positioned within a shared context of resilient, active learning.