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Science of Learning: What Educators Need to Know About Adolescent Development

Publication

Adolescence is a time of transition characterized by rapid physical, neurological, cognitive, and socioemotional development. As students move toward adulthood, their bodies and minds change. Those changes affect how they learn and, likewise, should influence how educators interact with youth.

This All4Ed report summarizes the key developmental changes that adolescents experience in their bodies, brains, relationships, identities, and experiences and explains how those changes impact student learning.

The report also recommends ways that educators and other adults can leverage findings from scientific research to create cohesive learning environments that comprehensively address adolescents’ developmental needs.