Learning and education

Self-knowledge and personal growth Relationships, work and leisure Values and ethical living

Illustration of the solar system with planets in order of distance from the Sun on a dark background.

idea

The ‘secret strategy’ that could boost your ability to learn

It may sound illogical, but growing evidence shows the benefits of testing yourself before you start learning new material

by Ajdina Halilovic

A photo of three people in a lively discussion in a bar. They are gesturing with their hands while talking animatedly.

Thinking and intelligence

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Expert tips on using gestures to think and talk more effectively

The gesticulations that accompany your speech are so much more than mere hand-waving – they contain and convey meaning

by Susan Goldin-Meadow

A woman and a boy on a sofa are seen through a window talking seriously

Children’s difficulties

guide

How to help a child who can’t face school

Is your child anxious and reluctant to leave home in the morning? Here’s a compassionate plan to help them get back to school

by Anna Smout, Glenn Melvin & Marie Yap

Music

film

Repairing instruments for children is its own art in this Oscar-nominated short

Directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers

Classroom of middle-school students sitting at desks with eyes closed, appearing to be meditating or focusing quietly.

Prayer and contemplation

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What if we learned contemplation like we do arts or sports?

As with football or violin practice, young people could gain versatile life skills through routine contemplative training

by Michael R Sheehy

A girl is shown reading from a device in her hand, her face illuminated by the screen’s light

Technology and media

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What does switching from paper to screens mean for how we read?

It’s well established that we absorb less well when reading on screen. But why? And can we do something to improve it?

by Lili Yu, Sixin Liao, Jan-Louis Kruger & Erik D Reichle

Maths equations and numbers written in white chalk on a blackboard, with some out of focus.

Learning and education

guide

How to beat maths anxiety

Getting stressed about maths is so common, yet there’s no need. With the right approach, you can even start enjoying it

by Shayla Love

Various ancient Greek and Roman statue fragments, including busts and limbs, playfully arranged in a circular pattern against a light background.

Anxiety

film

Self-honesty is crucial, life is weird – a tale of wisdom gained via panic attacks

Directed by Samira Mian

Learning and education

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Lessons about learning from ancient Greek philosophers

What Aristotle and Epicurus can teach us about learning through collaboration, movement, place and embodiment

by Tom Bielik

Athlete in black and white kit finishes track race, smiling and pointing. Crowd applauding in the background.

Sports and games

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Sport shows how to use performance benchmarks in a positive way

IQ scores and other contextless benchmarks are suffocating and misleading. We should look to sport for a healthier approach

by Leif Weatherby

Person’s legs visible sticking out of the boot of a yellow car parked near a green car. Vehicles are in a parking area with other cars nearby.

Sleep and dreams

guide

How to nap

Whether it’s to recover after a late night or to boost your learning abilities, there’s a science to napping effectively

by Ruth Leong & Michael Chee

A person stands on a staircase in dim light, looking at a phone. Sunlight streams through large windows, casting shadows on the walls and stairs.

Place

film

A filmmaker’s ode to the beloved Cairo building where he learned his art

Directed by Disha Hisham