ASU+GSV Summit Sessions The Science of Motivating Young People with Dr. Yeager
May 29, 2025
David Yeager, a developmental psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of '10 to 25', shares insights on motivating young people. He discusses how subtle shifts in communication can boost learner engagement. Yeager highlights the unique challenges facing today's adolescents and stress the importance of adapting mentoring methods to connect with them. He also examines the complexities of technology's impact on mental health and the limitations of AI in fostering emotional connections that inspire motivation.
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Family Tries Improved Feedback
- Kumar Garg shared how his daughters experimented with the feedback sandwich from David Yeager's book at home.
- They developed their own version emphasizing belief and investment in the person's potential beyond mere critique.
Adolescents Crave Status and Respect
- Adolescents seek status and respect as a core developmental need during puberty and brain development.
- Adults often undermine this need with condescending communication, causing resistance and demotivation.
Generational Views on Youth
- Each generation tends to view the next as short-sighted and irresponsible, a timeless pattern.
- This cultural conflict affects how adult-youth communication is perceived and experienced.