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 This blog is no longer being updated.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 & Movement
Opinion
'Do I Belong or Not?' How to Help Students Navigate Social Relationships
What do you say to students who are struggling to feel like they fit in—and what do you avoid?
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
How to Help Students Define Success
What research says about grades and motivation: Don’t think of A’s as the ultimate goal.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
How to Set a Moral Example for Students: What the Research Shows
We all fall short sometimes. But we can do better if we try.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
It’s OK to Be Selfish at Certain Times. Here's When and Why
A psychologist shares what research on the most moral people in the world reveals about the importance of being selfish at the right time.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
How Teachers Can Boost Students' Self-Confidence
Educators shouldn't underestimate their influence on young people's morale, writes Angela Duckworth.
Teaching
Opinion
3 Steps Teachers Can Take to Value Students’ Marginalized Identities
Lower-income students have strengths that often go unrecognized. Here’s how to structure lesson plans that capitalize on them.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
The Truth About High Achievers: Many Struggle to Find Their Passion
New research reveals the link between trying something new and success.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Depending on Gender, Students Talk About Their Abilities Differently
When it comes to math and science, teachers should be aware that students are biased in how they talk about their own work.
Teaching
Opinion
The Best Way to Use Grades for Motivating Students
Comparing themselves to others can make some kids feel like they can’t catch up. Here’s how to fix it.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Student Anxiety Is Rising. Here’s What Helps—and What Doesn’t
Parents' natural inclination is to step in and eliminate their children's stress.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
How to Decrease Suspensions. Here's What New Research Shows
A half-hour training program can change teachers' approach to discipline.
Teaching
Opinion
One Key Classroom-Management Strategy for Middle Schools
A recent study found something very powerful about the value of praise.
Classroom Technology
Opinion
4 Strategies to Help Students Manage Cellphone Use in School
Rules only get you so far; they don't teach young people how to manage challenges.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Don’t Try to Toughen Students Up, Research Says
How you see the world matters, but expecting the worst doesn’t prepare you for hard times.