An exploration of the relationship between grit, reflection-in-learning, and academic performance in entry-level...

Recent literature in physical therapy education suggests learners' non-cognitive skills, such as grit and reflection, may be predictors of success. Little is known about the relationship of these constructs to each other or success during the first year of entry level physical therapist education.

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between Reflection-In- Learning Scale (RLS), grit, and grade point average (GPA) of entry-level physical therapy students during the first year of didactic instruction.

One hundred and fourteen entry-level doctor of physical therapy students enrolled in a private university completed the original 12-item Grit Scale (Grit 1) and the RLS (RLS 1) during the first term and again at the end of the third trimester (Grit 2 and RLS 2).

The relationship between Grit 1 and RLS 1 demonstrated a fair, positive, significant correlation (r = .380, p < .001). No relationship was found between Grit 1 and GPA (r = .066, p = .485), or Grit 2 and GPA (r = .064, p = .500), or between RLS 1 and GPA (r = .017, p = .857), or RLS 2 and GPA (r = .171, p = .069). Fifty-three percent of students demonstrated a decrease in grit and 56% decreased RLS scores at the end of the first year of the program.

The fair correlation between these variables indicates they may measure different constructs. Findings suggest that doctor of physical therapy programs should be cautious when using these non-cognitive factors in making admission decisions. Future research should explore changes in grit and RLS throughout the curricula and impact on student success.