Many new learning practices use collaboration, as science recognizes that we come up with our best ideas in groups. Furthermore, it represents real life, where students will eventually have to learn to work with others and their ideas.

As the backbone behind many learning movements, including STEAM and design thinking, creative thinking brings together problem solving, divergent thinking, and convergent thinking. There are now degree programs popping up for creative thinking, as it has become a clearly recognized asset.

The growth mindset is borne of strong self-efficacy, which is a belief in one’s ability to grow, learn, and succeed. It deeply intertwines with grit, a mix of passion and perseverance.

As teachers, we can cultivate intrinsic motivation in our students. As opposed to extrinsic motivation (such as grades), intrinsic motivation happens when we are rewarded internally for our actions. Teachers should ask students “why” they want to learn a subject and guide them to discover that.

Art and design are making their way back into the curriculum, transforming STEM to STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art and design, and mathematics. The A in STEAM provides the outlet for the STEM to come to life.