If at first you don't succeed... blame someone else? This month we explore the concept of effort and grit. We think the importance of grit is self-evident: of course it matters, when defined as "perseverance and passion for long-term goals," to quote Angela Duckworth.

Part of the concept of teaching grit, is teaching learners to apply themselves. But part of the concept is teaching them to believe in and trust the process of applying themselves. Showing them that they shouldn't always expect to understand and master a concept immediately, while reminding them that they've overcome other frustrations and that they can master whatever current problem they face.

With this in mind we were fascinated by a recent article describing a study showing that U.S. students made a marked improvement when offered financial incentives prior to taking a high-stakes test, but Chinese students didn't. Economists offer this as evidence that U.S. students are not trying their hardest, and that our persistently lagging test scores relative to other countries may have more to do with effort than ability. Many have argued that we don't expect enough of our students today, and this study supports that idea.

There is much technology can do to make us more productive, and to advance education through individualization. And all children need and deserve support and a safe learning environment. But we can't forget that success (which we define as personal fulfillment and fully developing the unique talents we are each given, not necessarily financial success) depends on both ability and effort. And on the personal work of teaching, listening, believing in students, and challenging them to be their best self.