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 This blog is no longer being updated.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
The Hidden Impact of Informal Student Mentoring
Even an informal mentoring relationship can help students achieve greater academic success.
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.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
An Easy Way to Help Students Develop Better Judgment
To help students think critically, ask them these three questions.
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.