Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Esther Wojcicki
May 10, 2019
Esther Wojcicki, an influential journalism educator and author of "How to Raise Successful People," shares her wisdom on parenting and education. She discusses her innovative teaching approach that empowers students and emphasizes media literacy. Wojcicki reveals how trust and independence shape her success in raising three accomplished daughters, including YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki. She addresses the challenges of gender discrimination, the impact of social media, and criticizes helicopter parenting, advocating for a balanced approach to cultivate resilience and happiness.
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Journey to Teaching
- Esther Wojcicki began teaching journalism in 1984 at Palo Alto High School because it was a convenient location.
- Her initial class size was small, but it grew significantly over time.
Breaking the Mold
- Initially, Wojcicki followed a traditional curriculum, but she found it ineffective.
- She then decided to give students more control, which led to increased engagement and class size.
Real-World Learning
- Throw out the textbook and use real-world examples, like free newspapers, to teach journalism.
- Encourage students to replicate what they see in professional publications.
