EDSE 503 - The Teenage Brain: How it Works (3)

Why do teenagers act like that? Teachers have been asking this question for generations. Impulsivity, rapid mood swings, dangerous experimentation, angry outbursts, and poor decision making are just some of the behaviors that emerge as children enter adolescence.

As a middle or high school teacher, you have the unique and sometimes unforgiving task of reaching this age group in the classroom. However, the actual physiological makeup of the teenage brain is responsible for more of adolescents’ behavior than we may have realized. In this course, you will learn about the science of the teenage brain; how it affects teenagers’ emotions, thought processes, and behavior; and how to work with these challenges rather than fight against them. You’ll also develop concrete strategies for identifying at-risk behaviors, managing the mental and behavioral challenges unique to teenagers, and harnessing their strengths to keep them motivated and engaged in learning.

With the knowledge you gain from this course, you’ll be better equipped to help your teenage students navigate life and education in a way that sets them up for lifelong success.