KERA's Think How to re-engage your teen
12 snips
Apr 3, 2025 
Jenny Anderson, co-author of "The Disengaged Teen," shares her expertise on the puzzling disconnect many teens feel towards learning. She discusses the pervasive boredom and stress in educational settings and offers strategies for re-engagement. Key topics include the importance of personalized learning, the impact of neurodiversity, and how nurturing individual interests can reignite passion. Anderson emphasizes parental support as crucial in a teen's identity journey, advocating for autonomy and resilience to boost academic motivation and mental health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Reasons for Teen Disengagement
- Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop were intrigued by widespread teen apathy towards school, suspecting more than just phone usage.
- They believe the structure of the school day itself contributes to this disengagement.
The Need for Better Learning
- Kids need to become better learners now more than ever because the world demands more complex skills.
- These skills include critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and media literacy, which are not always emphasized in traditional education.
Disengagement as a State
- Teen disengagement isn't a personal flaw but a state influenced by environment, confidence, and life factors.
- Parents and educators should understand disengagement's nuances rather than labeling teens as lazy or unmotivated.
