Supplement the learning environment with resources

Originally posted in our October 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter. What if we measured learning not by time spent in class, but by what we can actually do? In his book, Mastery, Tony Wagner critiques an education system focused on grades and tests, arguing it leaves us unprepared. He champions “mastery learning,” where individuals progress only when they can use what they’ve learned, fostering deeper motivation and real-world readiness. As Tony shared on our podcast, this…

Originally posted in our September 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter. While understanding the theory of transcendent thinking is valuable in and of itself, finding ways to apply it as leaders and educators is a different matter entirely. As a complement to the research out of USC CANDLE around transcendent thinking, the team offers us some key tips for turning frameworks into practice. These tips show how educators and leaders can help learners see connections across ideas…

Originally posted in our September 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter. In this Hidden Brain episode, psychologist Mary Helen Immordino-Yang explores the science of engagement and what she calls “transcendent thinking.” That is, the ability to connect immediate experiences to larger values and possibilities. Her research makes a compelling case for changing how we think about learning and teaching. Her findings indicate that when learners adopt this mindset, they develop resilience, identity, and purpose. We would argue…

Originally posted in our August 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter. ATCMES recently explored why an entrepreneurial mindset is so crucial for employees. Their focus here is on how mindset drives day-to-day performance: employees who think entrepreneurially are more proactive, resilient, and capable of turning challenges into opportunities. Beyond highlighting why entrepreneurial thinking makes workers more resilient and resourceful, the article offers concrete ways companies can nurture it. Leaders can create space for fresh ideas to flourish by encouraging…

Originally posted in our August 2025 Top of Mind Newsletter. This Higher Ed Education Today article makes the case that the entrepreneurial mindset is not just for learners looking to start companies; rather, it’s a transferable skill that directly enhances employability. Employers increasingly value a workforce that can recognize opportunities, solve problems, and adapt in uncertain environments. The piece calls on higher education and workforce programs to intentionally cultivate these abilities, embedding entrepreneurial thinking alongside technical training.…