Angela Duckworth and other behavioral-science experts offer advice to teachers based on scientific research. Angela is the founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit organization advancing scientific insights that help kids thrive. She is also the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Character Lab is on Twitter @TheCharacterLab.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
In Uncertain Times, Students Need to Be Able to Adapt
They might need to hang in there when the going gets tough, but it’s also important to adjust when circumstances change.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
How to Encourage Student Curiosity and Why It's OK to Break the Rules
All kids are born wanting to learn. Angela Duckworth shares research on how to encourage student curiosity.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Can Money Buy Happiness? What You and Your Students Need to Know
Life satisfaction increases with earnings only up to a point, global research shows. Here’s where it starts to plateau—and why.
Teaching
Opinion
Time for Bin Busting: Teach Math, Reading, and Social Skills Together
Both reading and math are based on the same skill set, researchers say. So why aren’t we teaching them in the same lessons?
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Experiences Are Assets: Teachers Can Help Marginalized Students Recognize Their Strengths
Society tells kids from historically marginalized backgrounds that they have limitations—but these "deficits" can actually be benefits.
Teaching
Opinion
‘Someone Like Me’: The Surprising Power of Role Models
Teachers are models of behavior—and can help kids aspire to reach goals they never imagined.
Teaching
Opinion
Students Can Make a Difference in the World. Here’s How to Inspire Them
One person alone can’t solve climate change, social inequality, or the pandemic. But working as a group is powerful stuff.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
When Students Feel Helpless, Here’s How to Empower Them
What all young people need in order to fulfill their dreams and their potential: the conviction that they can shape their own future.
Teaching
Opinion
How to Make Hard Decisions Easier (for Yourself and Others)
Having too many options can be paralyzing. Here’s how to structure choices to make daunting decisions feel doable.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Teens Know They’re Addicted to Social Media. How to Help Them Cut Back
Help kids understand how social-media platforms hook you—and let them see that reducing their use is an act of autonomy.
Teaching
Opinion
Teach Like a Runner: 3 Ways to Get Started With Project-Based Learning
Take the equivalent of a five-minute jog to build authenticity in the classroom, because small changes can make a big difference.
Teaching
Opinion
How to Break the Juvenile Detention Cycle: New Research Shows a Way
Building a relationship of mutual respect between teachers and students can make a difference.
Teaching
Opinion
The Real Reason Why Students Don’t Ask Teachers for Help
Students know when they need help, but they’re embarrassed to ask. Here’s how to formalize and normalize help-seeking.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Our Country Is Polarized: How to Have Constructive Classroom Conversations
We all need to cultivate intellectual humility more than ever and model these skills for students.