In this episode of the Education Matters podcast, Rebecca Winthrop discusses her journey from a rural upbringing in Oregon to her current role at the Brookings Institution, where she leads the Center for Universal Education. She shares insights on the importance of education as a fundamental human right, her experiences working with the Commission for Refugees, and the development of her book, 'The Disengaged Teen.' The conversation delves into the various modes of student engagement, the challenges of disengagement, and the need for educational reform that includes family and community involvement. In this conversation, Rebecca Winthrop and Jason explore the critical themes of student engagement, the evolving role of teachers, and the importance of parental involvement in education. They discuss the shift from an age of achievement to an age of agency, emphasizing the need for relevance in learning and the necessity of fostering curiosity and passion in students. The dialogue also highlights the systemic challenges faced by educators and the vital role of community engagement in reshaping educational experiences.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] What Employers Are Looking for in Students
[00:00:47] Introduction to Rebecca Winthrop and Her Work
[00:02:58] Overview of The Disengaged Teen and Key Themes
[00:04:12] Rebecca’s Background and Early Life in Rural Oregon
[00:06:50] Childhood Learning and Early Interests in Dance
[00:10:00] Schooling Experience and Influential Teachers
[00:15:21] Finding a Path into Education Through Global Work
[00:18:16] Realizing the Power of Literacy and Education
[00:20:46] Why Students Are Disengaged and the Root Causes
[00:27:05] The Four Modes of Engagement: Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, Explorer
[00:33:54] How These Modes Are Not Labels but Fluid States
[00:40:08] The Role of Relevance in Student Engagement
[00:42:31] The Transition from the Age of Achievement to the Age of Agency
[00:46:33] Practical Classroom Strategies for Teachers
[00:50:05] Rethinking School Design for Engagement and Learning
[00:54:35] The Role of Project-Based and Inquiry-Based Learning
[00:56:39] How Parents Can Foster Engagement at Home
[01:00:41] The Impact of Technology on Student Engagement
[01:06:42] Managing Social Media and Screen Time with Kids
[01:10:57] Integrating Families and Communities in Education
[01:15:45] The One Change Rebecca Would Make with a Magic Wand
[01:17:46] Recommended Books and Podcasts
[01:18:41] Podcast Closing and Acknowledgements