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Dr. David Yeager is the Raymond Dickson Centennial Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University. His groundbreaking research focuses on the processes that shape adolescent development, examining how social cognitive factors interact with structural and physiological elements to influence youth trajectories. Dr. Yeager is also dedicated to uncovering ways to positively impact these psychological processes to enhance developmental and educational outcomes for young people. As co-Principal Investigator of the National Study of Learning Mindsets, the Texas Mindset Initiative, and the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute, Dr. Yeager is at the forefront of efforts to translate cutting-edge psychological research into practical strategies for educators and policymakers.

He is the author of 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, a book that distills the latest insights on how to inspire and empower the next generation.

David is also the lead instructor in a new class on MasterClass: The Power of Mindset. In this class, David and Carol Dweck draw on the science of mindset to show how members can develop new skills, overcome stress and setbacks, and use a mentor mindset to optimize performance and change lives at work, at home, on the sports field, and in the classroom. The class is available now exclusively on MasterClass.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How the adolescent brain drives motivation and potential.
The Mentor Mindset: balancing high standards and support.
Why belonging, purpose, and respect fuel adolescent success.
The power of short interventions on resilience and achievement.
EdTech's role in youth motivation and AI's potential pitfalls.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:51] Dr. Yeager’s path from teaching to research leadership.
[00:04:34] What the Mentor Mindset is and why it works.
[00:08:46] How short interventions create long-term impact.
[00:14:08] Understanding the adolescent brain and motivation.
[00:17:35] The traits of great mentors: tough but supportive.
[00:25:59] The power of role models and near-peer influences.
[00:35:50] Addressing fear and fostering aspiration in youth.
[00:41:40] AI’s role in motivating and supporting students.
[00:45:26] A call for ethical AI in education technology.

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