The case for rewarding hard work in higher education

The mantra of “work smarter, not harder” is almost gospel in academia. Students are urged to maximise efficiency, think strategically and leverage digital tools to streamline their efforts. While these strategies have undeniable value, the focus on efficiency risks sidelining an equally critical aspect of learning: hard work. Effort, persistence and the resilience to overcome challenges remain foundational to personal and academic growth. 

To recentre the value of effort, educators can look to a principle rooted in copyright law: the “sweat of the brow” doctrine. This concept highlights the intrinsic worth of hard work, even when it does not result in groundbreaking originality. If such effort is valued in legal contexts, why not in education?

Why hard work matters in higher education

The “sweat of the brow” doctrine acknowledges the value of effort, even in the absence of originality. It argues that the hard work involved in gathering information or producing a work merits protection, irrespective of its creativity. This doctrine underscores the intrinsic value of labour, suggesting that effort alone can be deserving of recognition and reward. Borrowed from copyright law, this principle holds significant implications for education, where students’ journeys often involve grappling with complex concepts and revising their understanding over time. While efficiency has its place, hard work fosters essential qualities such as resilience, discipline and a strong work ethic.

• Spotlight guide: Creativity in higher education
• Resource collection: Supporting students into the creative industries
• Time to write is a necessity, not a nice-to-have

Hard work often leads to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the material. While working smarter can help students grasp the basics quickly, true mastery often requires sustained effort – hours spent wrestling with difficult concepts, refining understanding and applying knowledge in new contexts. This process, though time-consuming, is essential for developing the deep, lasting knowledge that transcends the classroom.

For instance, during teaching at Winchester School of Art (WSA), we’ve seen students refine their writing over multiple drafts. Using tools like Word’s tracked changes, they document their revisions, showcasing the evolution of their ideas. This process not only improves their academic output but also builds their confidence and ownership of their work. 

Moreover, in addition to recognising hard work, educators must also appreciate the distinctiveness of every student’s voice in their work, encouraging them to translate their personal expression into both formal and informal writing. Such tangible evidence of effort and individuality deserves as much recognition as the polished final product.

Fostering an authorial voice

Another vital dimension of hard work lies in nurturing students’ authorial voice. Academic training often emphasises writing in a structured, formal style, but this should not suppress individuality. Encouraging students to express their own perspectives builds originality and confidence. At WSA, we’ve observed how students’ writing evolves when they’re empowered to bring their voice into academic work. For instance, a design student analysing a project’s user experience might initially default to jargon-heavy prose but with feedback will learn to gradually incorporate their personal insights and reflections. This balance of formality and individuality enriches both their learning and their contributions to their field.

Integrating hard work into assessment practices

Educators can incorporate the “sweat of the brow” doctrine into assessment practices by valuing effort, persistence and personal growth alongside efficiency and outcomes. This approach emphasises the process of learning rather than just the final product. 

1. Recognising effort: Tools such as tracked changes can document students’ progress, providing tangible evidence of dedication and iterative learning.
2. Regular feedback: Incorporate draft submissions or checkpoints into formative assessments, allowing students to receive guidance and demonstrate continuous improvement.
3. Reflective practice: Require students to submit a reflection with assignments, detailing challenges faced, strategies for overcoming them, and how their work evolved.

These strategies highlight the value to learning of hard work and persistence. Students who actively seek feedback and refine their work often excel, showcasing their ability to integrate new knowledge – a critical skill in creative fields. By assessing the effort invested, such as time spent refining ideas or overcoming obstacles, educators can make hard work visible and quantifiable.

Aligning assessment with these principles shifts the focus from short-term results to long-term learning, placing growth and persistence alongside outcomes.

Balancing smart work, hard work and personal growth

This is not to suggest that working smarter should be discarded. Efficiency and strategic thinking are vital skills in today’s fast-paced world, but they should be balanced with an appreciation for hard work. Students need to learn when to work smarter and when persistence, resilience and effort are essential. This balanced approach not only sets students up for academic success but also equips them with the skills to excel in life’s broader challenges.

Educators should encourage students to approach their work strategically while emphasising the value of consistent effort. Tools such as tracked changes in documents can help highlight progress and dedication, reinforcing the significance of hard work. Simultaneously, nurturing students’ authorial voices promotes creativity and confidence, reminding them that personal expression is just as important as the effort invested. By cultivating a learning environment where both intelligence and perseverance flourish, educators prepare students for success academically and beyond.

Shan Wang is a lecturer in design management and Ian Solway is a teaching fellow in design management in the department of design in the Winchester School of Art at the University of Southampton.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter.