Rebecca Winthrop

Rebecca Winthrop, director of the Center for Universal Education, and Maryanne Wolf, cognitive neuroscientist and reading expert, dive deep into how AI is reshaping education. They discuss the immediate challenges for students and teachers as traditional methods become obsolete. The duo highlights the need for meaningful learning experiences over passive tech use and explores successful AI implementations, such as a tutoring program in Nigeria. They advocate for a human-centered approach to education that fosters curiosity while addressing the risks AI poses to social development.

Rebecca Winthrop, an education policy expert and co-author of 'The Disengaged Teen', joins the discussion on the challenges of college admissions. They explore the hardest public colleges to gain admission to, emphasizing the importance of a balanced application list to avoid stress and disappointment. Winthrop highlights four modes of student engagement—coaster, achiever, resister, and explorer—underlining how an explorer mindset can enhance student motivation and success. The conversation also delves into the implications of perfectionism on mental health.

Jenny Anderson, a longtime journalist specializing in learning, and Rebecca Winthrop, a Georgetown professor focused on universal education, delve into the complexities of teen disengagement. They explore the different modes of engagement, such as 'passenger' and 'resistor' modes, and emphasize the importance of autonomy in reigniting student motivation. The conversation highlights the disconnect between adult perceptions and teen experiences, offering strategies for parents and educators to empower teens for better academic and emotional outcomes.

Rebecca Winthrop, a leading authority on education and director of the Center for Universal Education, discusses disengaged teens in her new book. She explores the roots of disengagement, emphasizing that it predates the pandemic. Winthrop categorizes teens into four engagement modes and highlights the crucial role of parental involvement. She suggests shifting focus from grades to understanding interests, encouraging emotional support and personal exploration in education, ultimately guiding teens towards genuine fulfillment.

Linda Darling-Hammond, an expert in education policy, and Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, engage in a thought-provoking dialogue about the urgent need to redesign schools for the AI era. They discuss the challenges of outdated educational models and emphasize fostering critical thinking skills. The conversation critiques traditional testing methods, advocating for project-based learning to enhance real-world applications. They also highlight the disparities in AI access between communities, stressing the importance of equitable educational environments.