How Students’ Gratitude for Feedback Can Identify the Right Attitude for Success: Disciplined Optimism

Abstract

Students’ reactions to feedback are intriguing. Why is it that some students resist, and in fact almost resent, receiving suggestions for improving their work while others are grateful and clamor for more help? This short article examines the role of gratitude in legal education. It suggests that students who engage in disciplined optimism, i.e., positive attitude and hard work, are more likely to succeed in law school than students who avoid feedback and self-handicap their efforts.

Keywords: Legal Analysis and Writing, Legal Education, Legal Profession, Psychology, Psychiatry

JEL Classification: K10