Greater Good

Research suggests that inducing awe in the classroom might inspire kids to find a sense of purpose in life

A giant in the field of social psychology draws on five decades of teaching and research to reveal the secrets of a fulfilling life to today's graduating seniors.

A Q&A with visionary educator John Hunter, creator of the World Peace Game.

With the re-introduction of Congressman Tim Ryan's social-emotional learning bill, our May newsletter focuses on the wide-ranging benefits of SEL skills for students.

Today, Congressman Tim Ryan re-introduces his bill to support the growth of social-emotional learning in schools.

Cheating is a complex problem. Could mindfulness be the answer?

Plans to close public schools are raising concerns about student safety in several major cities. But if the cities heed lessons from social science, they may be able to keep a difficult situation from getting even worse.

Daniel Goleman, Lisa Bennett, and Zenobia Barlow explain how we can teach kids to care deeply about the environment.

After the Boston Marathon explosions, we are inundated with horrific images of violence and suffering. Here's how to protect our kids--and ourselves--from vicarious trauma.

A new book explains how to help kids mature and improve their executive functioning… without relying on punishments.

From lessening the stress of testing to the neuroscience of learning, here's a round-up of our recent education content.

School-testing season is here—and a little compassion can go a long way in relieving the stress for all involved.

In an excerpt from his new book, psychologist Louis Cozolino applies the lessons of social neuroscience to the classroom.

Emily Bazelon's new book explores bullying among kids—and finds the solution in fostering empathy among both kids and adults.

From training kids for compassion to the neuroscience of learning, here's a round-up of our recent education content.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

New research shows that adolescents who volunteer decrease their risk for heart disease.

A new book argues that education must be based on how our brains really function—not how we wish they would.

I asked for your stories of love in education. Here are some of the moving responses.

Research tells us that kindness may be the antidote to “popularity-through-meanness.”

A giant in the field of social psychology draws on five decades of teaching and research to reveal the secrets of a fulfilling life to today's graduating seniors.

In an excerpt from his new book, psychologist Louis Cozolino applies the lessons of social neuroscience to the classroom.

Research suggests caring relationships with teachers help students do better in school and act more kindly toward others.

Robert Emmons offers everyday tips for living a life of gratitude.

A recent study suggests the answer is more complicated than we think.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

To greet the new year, Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton provides the best research-based tips for overcoming our differences.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

Research suggests that inducing awe in the classroom might inspire kids to find a sense of purpose in life

Today, Congressman Tim Ryan re-introduces his bill to support the growth of social-emotional learning in schools.

Cheating is a complex problem. Could mindfulness be the answer?

Daniel Goleman, Lisa Bennett, and Zenobia Barlow explain how we can teach kids to care deeply about the environment.

A new study suggests EI can be used for evil as well as good.

A new book explains how to help kids mature and improve their executive functioning… without relying on punishments.

Research suggests that experiencing awe helps kids focus less on themselves and more on the world around them.

After the Boston Marathon explosions, we are inundated with horrific images of violence and suffering. Here's how to protect our kids--and ourselves--from vicarious trauma.

How one big-city district cut suspensions and expulsions—and why they may rise again.

Tips for keeping cool and being kind to yourself, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

Every teacher wants students to feel engaged and happy in the classroom. Here are research-based tips for making it happen.

A Q&A with visionary educator John Hunter, creator of the World Peace Game.

... and introducing our new Education Director, Vicki Zakrzewski.

A new study suggests EI can be used for evil as well as good.

Research suggests that experiencing awe helps kids focus less on themselves and more on the world around them.

Fueled by new research, the social-emotional learning movement is building momentum. Is it enough to make American schools change their course?

Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton explains the difference between Juan Williams and Jesse Jackson.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

A recent study suggests that a hunger for status can make us go green.

Are people horrible? It's a question many Americans are asking ourselves after the horror of a school shooting.

A recent study suggests the answer is more complicated than we think.

Why SEL is a necessity for children of every background.

Research suggests caring relationships with teachers help students do better in school and act more kindly toward others.

The latest viral video sensation is more than a portrait of a cute and creative kid. It's a guide to how we can nurture kids' imagination.

Believe it or not, a new study suggests young kids have a strong tendency to cooperate.

Back-to-school tips: Research-based steps teachers can take to prime their students for kindness.

How one big-city district cut suspensions and expulsions—and why they may rise again.

A recent study suggests how teachers can promote kindness in the classroom, not competition.

Want to live a longer, healthier life? Stephen G. Post explains how to reap the benefits of practicing altruism.

Marc Bekoff explains how many different animal species show grief, friendship, gratitude, wonder, and a range of other emotions.

The Los Angeles Times is suing for "value-added" assessments of teachers. Here's why they may do more harm than good.

An interview with Paul Tough reveals that there's more to academic success than just, well...academics.

Dacher Keltner explains how compassion is literally at our fingertips.

In an excerpt from his new book, psychologist Louis Cozolino applies the lessons of social neuroscience to the classroom.

Robert Emmons offers everyday tips for living a life of gratitude.

In one troubled city, researchers and community members are working together to boost altruism among adolescents. What can their project teach other communities facing hard times?

Research suggests that experiencing awe helps kids focus less on themselves and more on the world around them.

A review of Fully Present: The Science, Art, and Practice of Mindfulness and The Mindful Child

Tips for keeping cool and being kind to yourself, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

Back-to-school tips: Research-based steps teachers can take to prime their students for kindness.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

Research tells us that kindness may be the antidote to “popularity-through-meanness.”

A giant in the field of social psychology draws on five decades of teaching and research to reveal the secrets of a fulfilling life to today's graduating seniors.

As Roots of Empathy gears up for its U.S. expansion, founder Mary Gordon reveals how the program has nurtured compassion around the world, one child at a time.

Research suggests caring relationships with teachers help students do better in school and act more kindly toward others.

Are people horrible? It's a question many Americans are asking ourselves after the horror of a school shooting.

Marc Bekoff explains how many different animal species show grief, friendship, gratitude, wonder, and a range of other emotions.

Why SEL is a necessity for children of every background.

Want to live a longer, healthier life? Stephen G. Post explains how to reap the benefits of practicing altruism.

A new study suggests EI can be used for evil as well as good.

Research suggests that spirituality may be a natural developmental process—so what does this mean for secular schools?

New research says mothers using childcare can reap social, psychological, and financial rewards.