TED talks - do you teach adolescents? Watch this!  It is no secret that we are big TED talks fans. Often inspiring, entertaining and informative, they are recommended viewing. One that has recently caught our attention is The mysterious workings of the adolescent brain by Sarah Jayne Blakemore. A social scientist with UCL, Blakemore tells us about her research. Reminding us that as little as 15 years ago we had no detailed understanding of brain development, she explains that, with the advent of the MRI, we are able to look at both the structure and the function of the brain. We now know, for example, that adolescent brains continue to change particularly in relation to social interactions and risk-taking. Blakemore tells us that this crucial time of brain development is affected by the environment to the extent that practiced skills are retained and dormant skills fall away. Blakemore confirms that her discoveries have implications for teenage education. "Here is a fantastic opportunity for learning and creativity!" Knowing that the social part of our students' brains are developing, what a great time to teach the skills of emotional intelligence which will serve students for the rest of their lives! Click here to watch. | 
