Academic achievement is as much about intellectual curiosity, drive and ambition as it is about natural intelligence, according to the findings of an education expert from the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education.

As students round into the new educational year, Associate Professor Lea Waters wants to get the word out that students have more control over their results than they may believe.

“Most people think of academic achievement as purely a result of intelligence,” explains Associate Professor Waters, an expert in positive psychology. “But in fact new research is showing academic achievement is strongly influenced by personal strengths and positive practice.”

 In particular, says Associate Professor Waters, the personal strengths of hope, self-regulation and curiosity predict academic achievement.

 “Hope encourages goal setting,” she says. “When people set goals they make a regular effort to achieve them, and are also more able to recover from setbacks.

 “Self-regulation encourages disciplined behaviour like setting a weekly timetable and sticking to it. In fact, self-regulation is a stronger factor in predicting academic success than intelligence. And curiosity is important because – as obvious as it sounds - being interested in your studies is key to academic success.”

 As students start a new university year, Associate Professor Lea Waters says they have more control over their academic outcomes than many believe.

“Most people think of academic achievement as purely a result of intelligence,” explains Associate Professor Waters, an expert in positive psychology. “But in fact new research is showing academic achievement is strongly influenced by personal strengths and positive practice.”

In particular, says Associate Professor Waters, the personal strengths of hope, self-regulation and curiosity predict academic achievement.

Associate Professor Waters’ tips for integrating positive practices into daily life include:

  • Set clear goals and multiple pathways to achieve each goal.
  • Make time for mental stillness, including a daily ‘digital detox’ of at least 10 minutes.
  • Adopt a positive mindset and hunt for the good, no matter how small - this helps put life’s challenges into perspective.
  • Keep a journal reflecting on positive things that happened that day.
  • Foster positive and supportive relationships