Browsing by Subject "periksiantamattomuus"

Grit is a colloquial concept, which has been scientifically defined in the field of psychological research in slightly different ways. Grit can be defined inter alia as the character strength of per-severance (Peterson & Seligman, 2004) or as passion and perseverance towards long-term goals (Duckworth et al., 2007). In previous studies grit has been shown to play a central role in aca-demic success and wellbeing. Yet, research on how to teach grit is still in its infancy. This study aimed to increase understanding on what grit and teaching grit in the Finnish elementary school mean. This study describes primary school teachers’ perceptions of the meaning of grit in the primary school context as well as how the teachers aim to teach it. This study was a qualitative study in which five teachers familiar with teaching grit took part in. The study was conducted as a semi-structured interview. The data was collected in April 2022 and analysed with theming and theory-guided content analysis. The main results of the study were that the teachers defined grit in quite a similar manner espe-cially by the components of perseverance and goal orientation and saw it as a character strength and a teachable skill. The teachers utilised grit in their own work. In addition, in primary school grit manifested especially in learning and school work, but also in behaviour and social rela-tions. The practices to teach grit varied. Some teachers taught grit and other character strengths or skills that enhance wellbeing in dedicated lessons. Otherwise grit was taught by integrating it to other subjects. The principal method of teaching was through teachers’ own speech and dis-cussions. The teachers’ action and interaction with students included acts of demanding and support as well as teaching patience. The described teaching practices are rooted in positive psychology and character education. The descriptions of patience and mercifulness complement the previous theory on grit and teaching it.