5 Ideas to Encourage and Support Cognitive Flexibility in Adolescents

*Bonus tip: This works for adults too, especially those who may not easily accept constructive criticism of their work. ;)

1. Curiosity: One of the most effective ways to foster cognitive flexibility in young people is by nurturing intellectual curiosity. Teens who learn to ask questions, explore different perspectives, and think critically are more likely to adjust their thinking when they receive new information. Educators play a key role here by encouraging constructive debates in class, asking open-ended questions, and prompting students to challenge their preconceived ideas. In short, promote constructive criticism.

2. Considering Different Thinking Styles and Approaches to Problem Solving: Offer young people tasks that require thinking outside the box. For instance, in mathematics, present problems that can be solved using multiple approaches. In science, encourage them to test various experimental hypotheses. Philosophy can also be an effective tool for tackling questions on topics like the environment or human relationships, offering different angles for discussion.

3. Role Models: A commonly overlooked factor in developing cognitive flexibility is the importance of role models. Figures like Elon Musk, Marie Curie, and Nikola Tesla are often cited for their ability to fundamentally rethink established rules in their fields. Introducing these examples to young people, highlighting their capacity to revise their certainties, helps encourage a mindset that values multiple approaches to a problem.

4. Encouraging Reconsideration: Adam Grant advocates for the practice of "rethinking," where individuals are encouraged to regularly reconsider their opinions and ideas in light of new information. This practice can be integrated into schools through regular exercises where students must debate or write essays from a perspective opposite to their own.

5. Understanding Failure as Learning: This ties into other recommendations—cognitive flexibility often requires acknowledging that failure is part of the learning process. In many educational contexts, failure is seen as an endpoint rather than a step toward improvement. However, in creative environments, failure is integral to learning and the process itself. By encouraging a more positive approach to failure, teachers can help young people understand that changing their approach or perspective after a setback is not only acceptable but crucial for progress and learning.