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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