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Getting Smart Podcast

How bad is the "Disengagement Crisis"? | Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop

Feb 26, 2025
Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist and author of "The Disengaged Teen," and Rebecca Winthrop, director at the Center for Universal Education, dive into the crucial topic of teen engagement. They discuss the alarming decline in school enthusiasm and the four engagement modes: passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer. Highlighting the importance of teaching agency, they offer practical strategies for parents and educators. The duo underscores the need for nurturing curiosity and crafting engaging learning environments to combat the disengagement crisis.
41:36

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Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the four modes of learning—passenger, achiever, resistor, and explorer—enables educators to better support student engagement.
  • Implementing autonomy-supportive teaching practices is essential for enhancing student agency and creating a more engaging educational environment.

Deep dives

The Importance of Engagement in Education

Engagement is a crucial factor in students' academic success, affecting their grades, graduation rates, and overall well-being. The podcast emphasizes that as students progress through their education, their love for learning significantly declines, with only 25% of high schoolers enjoying school compared to 75% in third grade. This disengagement crisis not only impacts students' performance but also leads to feelings of unpreparedness for real-world challenges. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of student engagement is essential for educators and parents to foster a more supportive learning environment.

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