Abstract
Personal characteristics contributing to success in higher education has become an important area of focus in recent years. Duckworth’s (2007) grit framework shows positive correlations with a range of academic outcomes. This article explores the characteristics of grit in a study of female students who identified as mothers during their enrolment in an enabling program at CQUniversity Australia. Data was gathered from 284 participants and findings suggest that despite mothers facing competing challenges that conflict with study; demonstrating grit-ability is what enables success. The courage to begin; conscientious determination to achieve; resilience to overcome obstacles; endurance to persist; and striving for excellence were identified as key contributors to positive academic outcomes and personal fulfilment. Framework Methodology underpinned this thematic analysis using the grit terms of reference to examine survey responses. These findings highlight the relevance of grit as desirable student characteristics for experiencing success in enabling education.
Highlights
Australian universities articulate support for student equity to ensure all groups of society have the opportunity to participate successfully in higher education
These mothers commented on their sense of self-pride in what they were accomplishing: “I felt an immense sense of achievement”, “Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) gave me the self-confidence to pursue my dreams.”
The concept of grit-ability has highlighted common themes that contribute to understanding the desirable characteristics that support success within the enabling environment
Summary
Australian universities articulate support for student equity to ensure all groups of society have the opportunity to participate successfully in higher education. Enabling programs offer access to higher education; increasing enrolments from nontraditional students. Mothers are one of these non-traditional groups who seek an enabling course as their gateway to a new career and a better future for themselves and their families. Each participant of this study identified as a mother whilst enrolled in the enabling course, Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) at CQUniversity Australia between 2012 and 2017. This research uses Duckworth’s (2007) grit framework to examine the characteristics that the mothers identified as helping them overcome challenges and achieve success in their studies. A thematic analysis identifies common themes and ranks which grit characteristics were most recognisable in supporting mothers’ successful engagement within this enabling course
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