Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast - The Power of Social Identity with Dr. Jay Van Bavel: How Groups Shape Learning, Bias, and Belonging

The Power of Social Identity with Dr. Jay Van Bavel: How Groups Shape Learning, Bias, and Belonging

03/24/25 • 29 min

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast

How does social identity influence the way we learn, form biases, and navigate the world? In this episode, Dr. Jay Van Bavel, NYU professor and coauthor of The Power of Us, joins us to explore the psychology and neuroscience behind identity formation.

Hosts Nicole Coleman and Biff Maier discuss with Dr. Van Bavel:

How group identity impacts learning, motivation, and cognitive performance
The role of social media in shaping and reinforcing identities
Strategies to reduce bias and build inclusion in schools and communities
How leaders can foster unity instead of division

With insights from neuroscience, psychology, and education, this episode reveals how understanding identity can transform classrooms, parenting, and even society itself.

And read Jay’s book: The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony, by Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Harnessing-Identities-Performance-Cooperation/dp/0316538418

Hosts Nicole Coleman and Biff Maier discuss with Dr. Van Bavel:

How group identity impacts learning, motivation, and cognitive performance
The role of social media in shaping and reinforcing identities
Strategies to reduce bias and build inclusion in schools and communities
How leaders can foster unity instead of division

With insights from neuroscience, psychology, and education, this episode reveals how understanding identity can transform classrooms, parenting, and even society itself.

And read Jay’s book: The Power of Us: Harnessing Our Shared Identities to Improve Performance, Increase Cooperation, and Promote Social Harmony, by Jay J. Van Bavel and Dominic J. Packer

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Harnessing-Identities-Performance-Cooperation/dp/0316538418

Previous Episode

Lisa Ling on Journalism, Curiosity, and the Power of Storytelling

Award-winning journalist Lisa Ling has spent her career uncovering untold stories and bringing hidden perspectives to light. From reporting in war zones at 21 to hosting This Is Life on CNN and joining CBS News, Ling has dedicated herself to educating and informing the public.

In this episode, she shares:

How her early experiences with Channel One News shaped her as a journalist
The power of storytelling to foster empathy and global awareness
The impact of technology and social media on young minds
Why exposure to diverse histories and perspectives is essential for the future
How Montessori principles—like curiosity and experiential learning—connect to journalism and education
Her latest work at CBS News and the role of journalism in a polarized world

This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about journalism, education, and creating a more informed world.

Educating the Human Potential: The American Montessori Society Podcast
A podcast about optimizing education for a better society.

Next Episode

The Joy of Foraging: Alexis Nikole Nelson on Food, Nature, and Her Montessori Roots

How does a childhood spent exploring nature shape a lifelong passion? In this episode, Alexis Nikole Nelson—award-winning forager, chef, and social media star—shares how her Montessori education helped nurture her curiosity and independence, ultimately leading to her unique career.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman discuss with Alexis:

How her Montessori upbringing encouraged hands-on learning and a love of nature
The history and cultural significance of foraging, especially in Black and Indigenous communities
The intersection of food, environmental education, and social media storytelling
Her upcoming cookbook

With humor, insight, and infectious enthusiasm, Alexis brings a fresh perspective on learning, history, and the joy of reconnecting with nature—one edible plant at a time.

Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development, and Biff Maier, an AMS Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education.