Distinguishing between Grit, Persistence, and Perseverance for Learning Mathematics with Understanding

Abstract

Learning mathematics with understanding involves productively struggling to make connections between different mathematical ideas. Such productive struggle is associated with three primary constructs: grit, persistence, and perseverance. Each of these constructs has a distinct definition, background, and implied utility in mathematics education research. However, these constructs are often colloquially conceptualized as synonyms, leading to a misconception of what can be learned through the lens of each construct. The purpose of this paper is to carefully examine the literature on grit, persistence, and perseverance and to review and distinguish the ways in which these constructs offer insights into learning mathematics with understanding.

Keywords

• mathematics education
• grit
• persistence
• perseverance