2022 Adolescent Brain Development Symposium: Supporting Exploratory Learning During Adolescence

Our first annual Symposium on Adolescent Brain Development in May 2022 brought together researchers, practitioners, and funders to discuss the following key question: How can we best support adolescents’ need to explore and learn about themselves and the world around them?

In a series of moderated conversations, we discussed four central topics related to exploration during our adolescent years:

What is unique about exploratory learning during adolescence?

Panelists Ron Dahl, MD, University of California, Berkeley, and Jamila Walida Simon, MS, New York State 4-H

How can we support risk taking during adolescence?

Panelists Wouter van den Bos, PhD, University of Amsterdam, and Molly Pencke, Bezos Scholars Program

What is the role of failure in exploration and learning?

Panelists Catherine Hartley, PhD, New York University, and Kenneth Ginsburg, MD, MSEd, Center for Parent and Teen Communication

How can we enhance belonging to support exploration?

Panelists Nancy Deutsch, PhD, University of Virginia, and Joyce Pae, MA, The Chicago Academy

Additional Resources

• Discussion 1 Summary: ​What is Unique About Exploratory Learning During Adolescence?
• Discussion 2 Summary: How Can We Support Risk Taking During Adolescence?
• Discussion 3 Summary: Is Failure Good for Learning and Exploration?
• Discussion 4 Summary: How Can We Enhance Belonging to Promote Exploration?

Exploratory Learning During Adolescence (Visual Notes)

Supporting Exploratory Learning During Adolescence (Visual Notes)

Thank you to Liquid Sketch for creating these amazing visual notes of our symposium discussions.