Opinion Blog

Ask a Psychologist

Helping Students Thrive Now

Angela Duckworth and other behavioral-science experts offer advice to teachers based on scientific research. Read more from this blog.

Angela Duckworth and other behavioral-science experts offered advice to teachers based on scientific research. Angela is a co-founder 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. This blog is no longer being updated.

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Student Well-Being Opinion Farewell: Ask a Psychologist Says Goodbye
Angela Duckworth announces the sunsetting of the Character Lab and the Education Week Opinion blog.
Angela Duckworth, April 17, 2024
3 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion Tests Often Stress Students. These Tips Can Calm Their Nerves
It's normal for students to feel anxious about tests and presentations. Here's what the research says can help them.
Michael Norton, April 10, 2024
2 min read
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Teaching Opinion Teachers Want to Create a Classroom Learning Culture. Here's How It's Done
Students need to practice grappling with complex ideas. Teachers can foster an environment that encourages active, open-minded thinking.
Tenelle Porter, April 3, 2024
1 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion 4 Steps Students Can Take to Help Make Tough Decisions
When students feel stuck, they can harness the power of the nonconscious mind to help them move forward.
Kennon Sheldon, March 27, 2024
2 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion Has Spirit Week Lost Its Sparkle? Here’s What Research Says Schools Can Do About It
How research explains why special events can lose their luster as well as how educators can change that trajectory.
Tali Sharot, March 20, 2024
1 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion Talking About a Growth Mindset Isn’t Enough. Here’s What Makes a Difference for Students
Teachers can make structured changes that encourage students to challenge themselves.
Cameron Hecht, March 13, 2024
2 min read
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Teaching Opinion 4 Ways to Present STEM Role Models Girls Will Find Inspiring
Merely exposing students to female scientists isn’t enough to get them to pursue careers in STEM.
Lisa M.P. Munoz & Eva Pietri, March 6, 2024
4 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion When Students Feel Unlucky, Teachers Can Help Change That Attitude
Mindsets matter when it comes to thinking about opportunity. Here’s what new research finds.
Paul A. O'Keefe, February 28, 2024
2 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion One Thing Teachers Can Do to Signal High Expectations
There are constructive ways for teachers to communicate they believe in a student, a research scientist weighs in.
Camilla Mutoni Griffiths, February 21, 2024
1 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion There Is a Better Way for Students to Ask for Feedback
Adam Grant draws from a personal example to demonstrate how anyone can get more useful input.
Adam Grant, February 14, 2024
1 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion The Hidden Impact of Informal Student Mentoring
Even an informal mentoring relationship can help students achieve greater academic success.
Matthew A. Kraft, February 7, 2024
3 min read
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Teaching Opinion Angela Duckworth on What the Research Says About Active Learning
What students think works best for their learning isn't necessarily what does.
Angela Duckworth, January 31, 2024
2 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion An Easy Way to Help Students Develop Better Judgment
To help students think critically, ask them these three questions.
Carey Morewedge, January 24, 2024
3 min read
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Student Well-Being Opinion Students Like Easy Work. Here's How to Break That
Don’t assume students avoid effort because they’re lazy. They may be confusing effort with failure to make progress.
Angela Duckworth, January 17, 2024
1 min read