Redefining Success: Why Effort Alone Shouldn't Dictate Grades

In "No, You Don’t Get an A for Effort," Adam Grant critiques the contemporary expectation among students that effort should be a significant determinant of academic grades. He highlights a cultural shift in education, exacerbated by a misinterpretation of the growth mindset theory popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, which has led students to equate hard work with merit. Grant emphasizes that grades should reflect mastery and understanding rather than simply the amount of effort exerted. He argues that while rewarding effort can build resilience, an overemphasis on effort can detract from learning and lead students to persist with ineffective strategies. The ultimate lesson is that success is not just about trying hard, but about working wisely and achieving tangible results.

Key Points:

• Students now believe effort should heavily influence grades, often expecting high marks for attendance and hard work alone.
• This mindset stems from a misinterpretation of growth mindset theory, which promotes the value of effort but should not overshadow the importance of skill mastery.
• Grant warns that valuing perseverance excessively may lead to sticking with ineffective study habits rather than improving learning strategies.
• Grades should assess knowledge acquired rather than the time or effort spent, as excellence is rooted in both ability and effective effort.
• The article calls for a balanced perspective from educators and parents, reminding students that effort alone does not guarantee success.
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