Educational psychologist, trainer and consultant, Juliet Starbuck, is an academic and professional tutor on the doctoral course in educational and child psychology at University College London. In this fascinating webinar, she discusses what neuroscience can tell us about adolescent brain development, and how teachers can support teenage students in their learning.
Teaching teenagers
Teenagers can be a particularly challenging age group to teach, but understanding a little about what is going on in their heads can help teachers support students through school. Our understanding of brain development has greatly improved in the last few years with advances in technology. We now know that the changes that occur in the brain during the teenage years are dramatic; more than at any other age, except between two and three years old.
Significant changes are happening in the pre-frontal cortex; the area of the brain which is responsible for planning, problem-solving, assessing risk, decision-making and social interaction. These changes impact behaviour, meaning that teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, place undue emphasis on social rewards, and struggle to read and understand others’ emotions.
So, what does this mean for teachers? Well, studies have shown that this age group thrives best in a nurturing environment, where the importance of sleep, nutrition, exercise and self-care is recognised. Teachers should aim for a variety of instructional methods which encourage students to think for themselves. Keeping their brain active will help develop and strengthen the neural pathways that are vital for long-term learning.
Watch the webinar in full
For more information on brain development during adolescence, including the influence of friends, the impact of social embarrassment, and brain myths debunked, watch Juliet’s webinar below:
Read more on what we know about the teenage brain and what it means for teachers.