Adolescents’ brains are highly capable, if inconsistent, during this critical age of exploration and development. They are also acutely tuned into rewards.
In any laboratory, including ours, we always find the same result: Adolescents just are not as good as adults at cognitive control — except in studies where we say, if you do this trial correctly, we’re going to give you extra points for more money. And, miraculously, adolescents can then do it like adults.
As a teacher I’ve found this is key to motivation in the classroom. It’s an amazing transformation for the 10-15 minute window.
As a teacher I’ve found this is key to motivation in the classroom. It’s an amazing transformation for the 10-15 minute window.