Beyond School Walls

Connecting the science of psychology to learning and life

Motivation
Choose Your Hard or Let it Choose You

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on January 16, 2026

Avoiding discomfort doesn’t make life easier. It just delays the cost. Here’s what psychology tells us about choosing the hard that matters.

Avoiding discomfort doesn’t make life easier. It just delays the cost. Here’s what psychology tells us about choosing the hard that matters.

Happiness
The Paradox of Modern Dissatisfaction

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on November 24, 2025

Learn how comfort and ease quietly shrink our tolerance for stress, and why embracing a little discomfort can transform our well-being.

Learn how comfort and ease quietly shrink our tolerance for stress, and why embracing a little discomfort can transform our well-being.

Resilience
When Life Punches You in the Mouth

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on October 31, 2025

Life will throw a punch. Learn how to stay on your feet with simple cues, calm pauses, and values-first choices that turn shock into clarity—and action.

Life will throw a punch. Learn how to stay on your feet with simple cues, calm pauses, and values-first choices that turn shock into clarity—and action.

Positive Psychology
Hooked on the Negative

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on September 10, 2025

Think the world is getting worse? You’re not alone. Here’s why our minds tilt toward negativity—and how to see things more clearly.

Think the world is getting worse? You’re not alone. Here’s why our minds tilt toward negativity—and how to see things more clearly.

Child Development
Beyond the Koala Bear

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on August 29, 2025

Ever feel trapped by the way your family still sees you? Discover how to outgrow old labels and embrace the adult you’ve become.

Ever feel trapped by the way your family still sees you? Discover how to outgrow old labels and embrace the adult you’ve become.

Memes
The Mimicry Trap

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on August 5, 2025

We think we know what we want, but what if our desires are just reflections of others? Discover how mimetic influence shapes our goals and how to break free.

We think we know what we want, but what if our desires are just reflections of others? Discover how mimetic influence shapes our goals and how to break free.

Social Media
The Rise of the Rage Scroll

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on July 10, 2025

There are reasons why we're drawn to negativity online, and why constant complaining shapes our mindset. Here's what you can do to take back control of your scroll.

There are reasons why we're drawn to negativity online, and why constant complaining shapes our mindset. Here's what you can do to take back control of your scroll.

Openness
Not Just Dreamers or Doers

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on June 20, 2025

Some people are both highly curious and deeply disciplined. This rare psychological profile may hold the key to real change.

Some people are both highly curious and deeply disciplined. This rare psychological profile may hold the key to real change.

Bias
Mistaking Anecdotes for Facts

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on April 30, 2025

Learn why your brain prefers stories over statistics—and how understanding this bias can help you think more clearly in a world full of data.

Learn why your brain prefers stories over statistics—and how understanding this bias can help you think more clearly in a world full of data.

Artificial Intelligence
The Decline of the Expert?

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on April 1, 2025

AI is putting expert knowledge at your fingertips—so now what? Explore how this powerful shift is changing the way we think, make decisions, and connect with real experts.

AI is putting expert knowledge at your fingertips—so now what? Explore how this powerful shift is changing the way we think, make decisions, and connect with real experts.

Education
Twice-Exceptional Homeschooling

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on March 20, 2025

Twice-exceptional learners thrive with AI, online tools, and a hack schooling mindset. Discover how to create a personalized, flexible, and engaging homeschool experience.

Twice-exceptional learners thrive with AI, online tools, and a hack schooling mindset. Discover how to create a personalized, flexible, and engaging homeschool experience.

Fear
The Risk-Taker’s Edge

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on March 13, 2025

Fear holds many back, but uncertainty fuels growth. Discover how taking smart risks unlocks hidden opportunities and transforms the way we see the world.

Fear holds many back, but uncertainty fuels growth. Discover how taking smart risks unlocks hidden opportunities and transforms the way we see the world.

Motivation
The Sacrifice Secret

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on March 6, 2025

What if the key to a better future isn’t having more, but living differently today? Explore the psychology of discipline, sacrifice, and how small choices can lead to big rewards.

What if the key to a better future isn’t having more, but living differently today? Explore the psychology of discipline, sacrifice, and how small choices can lead to big rewards.

Social Media
The Digital Garden

Jessica Koehler Ph.D. on March 2, 2025

Our brains are wired for negativity, but in the digital age, it’s time to rewire. Here’s how.

Our brains are wired for negativity, but in the digital age, it’s time to rewire. Here’s how.

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January 2026
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Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
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