Rethinking How We Motivate Boys

High standards coupled with strong support are key to helping young people achieve their potential. That was the central message delivered by Dr. David Yeager at a series of workshops and presentations he delivered at Crescent on October 27.

A renowned developmental psychologist, researcher, and author of the bestselling book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, Dr. Yeager, spoke to educators and school leaders in the afternoon before delivering a keynote address to Crescent parents, alumni, and others in our community that evening. The following day, he shared further insights at a full-staff assembly.

“Understanding young people’s need for status and respect, and adopting a mentor mindset that pairs high expectations with the support to meet them is a proven approach to motivation,” Dr. Yeager told his audiences. “This approach works because it communicates both confidence in a young person’s potential and an adult’s commitment to helping them succeed.”

Yeager has coined a common but ineffectual communication habit used by adults as “grownsplaining”. This occurs when an adult condescendingly explains something to a teenager or young adult, assuming the younger person lacks knowledge or capability simply because of their age. While adults think this will motivate a young person to take action, it usually has the exact opposite effect.

“Dr. Yeager talks about the ‘mentor mindset’ and the tendency of young people to reject feedback because of the way it is delivered—even if it is well-intended,” says Dr. Sandra Boyes, Executive Director of the Crescent Centre for Boys’ Education. “Once you understand that, it changes your approach to giving feedback.”

Dr. Yeager’s visit was supported in part by the Wellbeing and Belonging Collaborative Fund, established through the generosity of the Sorbara Foundation. The fund brings together Crescent School, Royal St. George’s College, The Bishop Strachan School, and Branksome Hall to advance student wellbeing and belonging. Educators from all four schools participated in the workshop and attended the evening presentation.

Photo from left: Headmaster Michael Fellin, Dr. Sandra Boyes, Executive Director, Professional Learning and Research and the Crescent Centre for Boys' Education, Dr. David Yeager, Christina Sorbara P’30, ’32, and Mark Sorbara ’98