Purchase The Disengaged Teen at rebeccawinthrop.com

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In this episode of WISE On Air, we dive into a critical conversation about teen disengagement with Rebecca Winthrop, co-author of the newly released book “The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better.”

 

Rebecca, who serves as a senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, brings fresh insights from her groundbreaking research, which reveals a startling disconnect: while parents think 60% of kids love school, the reality is that by 12th grade, only 25% actually do. Her book, which launched with conversations featuring Gayle King and Drew Barrymore on Oprah Daily, offers a powerful framework for understanding how teens engage with learning and what we can do to help them thrive.

 

Through extensive research involving hundreds of interviews with students, parents, and educators, Rebecca and her co-author Jenny Anderson identify four distinct modes of engagement that shape how teens approach learning. More importantly, they provide practical strategies for parents and educators to help teens develop what they call “explorer muscles” – the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world.

 

The timing couldn’t be more crucial. With rapid technological changes and evolving workplace demands, helping teens become engaged learners isn’t just about academic success – it’s about preparing them for a future where adaptability and self-directed learning are essential skills.

 

To learn more about Rebecca’s work and upcoming book events in New York, DC, and LA, visit rebeccawinthrop.com.

 

Subscribe to WISE On Air on your preferred podcast app: pod.link/wiseonair

 

00:00 The Need for Explorer Skills in the Modern World

00:43 Introduction

02:05 Rebecca Winthrop’s Personal Motivation and Book Overview

04:09 Defining and Understanding Student Engagement

10:13 The Four Modes of Engagement

14:46 Examples of Successful Explorer Mode Schools

23:01 Pathways to Achieving Explorer Mode

28:04 Balancing Different Modes of Engagement

30:24 Balancing Achievement and Mental Health

30:51 The Need for Explorer Skills in the Modern World

32:35 Teachers’ Role in Fostering Engagement

33:33 Practical Strategies for Teachers

36:14 Professional Development for Teachers

38:42 System-Level Changes in Education

42:36 Parents’ Role in Supporting Engagement

47:47 Encouraging Autonomy and Agency in Kids

53:04 Rethinking Success and College Admissions

01:00:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts