The Future of Smart

The Misunderstood Years: The Hidden Promise of Adolescent Learning

Episode Summary

Adolescence is a historically misunderstood and maligned period of human development. Dr. Mary Helen Immodino-Yang shares findings from her research of adolescents that demonstrate the enormous opportunity we have during this stage of life to change the trajectory of young people’s lives. Not only can the right sets of experiences mitigate the impact of any earlier trauma or deprivation, the openness and plasticity of the adolescent brain offers an extended period during which we can set young people up for success in early adulthood and beyond.

Episode Notes

Adolescence is a historically misunderstood and maligned period of human development. Dr. Mary Helen Immodino-Yang shares findings from her research of adolescents that demonstrate the enormous opportunity we have during this stage of life to change the trajectory of young people’s lives. Not only can the right sets of experiences mitigate the impact of any earlier trauma or deprivation, the openness and plasticity of the adolescent brain offers an extended period during which we can set young people up for success in early adulthood and beyond.

Relevant Links

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The Brain Basis for Integrated Social, Emotional, and Academic Development