Start the New Year with These Ted-Talks!

As educators, the New Year and the beginning of a new semester present a unique opportunity to invigorate our teaching approaches. Integrating TED Talks into our high school courses can be a powerful way to kick off this period. TED Talks offer diverse perspectives, cutting-edge ideas, and inspiring stories that can resonate with students, making them ideal for sparking curiosity and discussion. Here are a few TED Talks that are particularly suitable for this time of year, along with suggestions for how to incorporate them into your curriculum.

1. "The Power of Believing That You Can Improve" by Carol Dweck

Relevance: This talk introduces the concept of a growth mindset, which is crucial for students embarking on a new semester.

Application: Use this talk in a psychology or education class to discuss the importance of mindset in learning. Encourage students to set personal and academic goals for the semester, reflecting on how a growth mindset can aid their journey.

2. "Your Elusive Creative Genius" by Elizabeth Gilbert

Relevance: Gilbert's talk challenges the traditional notion of 'genius,' making it more accessible and less intimidating.

Application: This can be a great resource for English or art classes. Have students engage in a creative project where they explore their own 'genius' and understand that creativity is a process rather than a sudden lightning strike of brilliance.

3. "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" by Simon Sinek

Relevance: As students take on new challenges, understanding leadership and motivation is key.

Application: Ideal for a business studies or social studies class, this talk can lead to discussions about what makes a great leader. Students can analyze historical figures or even plan out their own 'inspirational' project for the semester.

4. "The Danger of a Single Story" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Relevance: This talk emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and avoiding stereotypes.

Application: Use this in literature, history, or social studies classes to foster discussions about cultural understanding and bias. It can be a starting point for a project where students explore stories or histories from multiple viewpoints.

Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here!

5. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Lee Duckworth

Relevance: Duckworth's talk about 'grit' is perfect for motivating students at the start of a semester.

Application: In any subject, discuss the role of perseverance in achieving goals. Students can identify a long-term project or goal for the semester and create a plan outlining how they will apply grit to achieve it.

Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here!

6. "The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers" by Adam Grant Relevance: Sheds light on how originality can be cultivated. Application: Encourage students to develop and present original ideas or solutions to problems.
Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here! 7. "The Puzzle of Motivation" by Dan Pink Relevance: Challenges traditional views on motivation and rewards. Application: Debate the effectiveness of different motivational strategies in education or the workplace.
Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here!
8. Why Having Fun is the Secret to a Happier Life" by Catherine Price Relevance: Explores the link between fun and happiness. Application: Students can undertake a project to identify what brings them joy and how it impacts their learning.
Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here! 9. How to Get Better at the Things You Care About" by Eduardo Briceño Relevance: Discusses strategies for continuous improvement. Application: Students can apply these strategies in a skill they wish to improve, documenting their progress.
Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here! 10. How Acts of Kindness Sparked a Global Movement" by Orly Wahba Relevance: Demonstrates the impact of kindness and social responsibility. Application: Initiate a class or school-wide kindness project, encouraging students to document acts of kindness and their effects.

Need a lesson? Check out my lesson here!

Using these TED Talks, educators can set a tone of inspiration, creativity, and perseverance for the new semester. Incorporating them into lesson plans not only aligns with educational standards but also ensures that lessons are engaging and relevant. It's a great way to start the year on a positive and thought-provoking note.

Interested in more TED Talk Lessons? Check out my TED Talk Mega Bundle! Over 40 TED Talk lessons!

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