Raising Good Humans: The Disengagement Crisis – Why Kids Are Falling Out of Love With Learning—and How to Change That

Podcast Information:

• Title: Raising Good Humans
• Host: Dr. Aliza Pressman
• Guests: Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop
• Release Date: January 17, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Disengagement Crisis: Why Kids Are Falling Out of Love With Learning—and How to Change That," Dr. Aliza Pressman delves into a critical issue plaguing modern education systems: the alarming decline in student engagement. Joined by Jenny Anderson, an award-winning journalist and co-author of the book addressing this crisis, and Rebecca Winthrop, a global education authority from the Brookings Center for Universal Education, the discussion sheds light on the multifaceted nature of student disengagement and offers actionable strategies for parents to foster a love for learning in their children.

Understanding the Disengagement Crisis

Dr. Pressman begins by outlining the severity of the disengagement crisis, highlighting stark statistics that reveal a declining trend in students' love for school:

• Third Grade: 75% of children express a love for school.
• Tenth Grade: Only 25% continue to love school, with over half of these students merely "checking in" rather than actively engaging in meaningful learning.

Dr. Pressman (03:05): “The disengagement crisis is pervasive. By 10th grade, only a quarter of kids say they love school, and many of them are just showing up without developing good learning habits.”

She emphasizes that this crisis is not just about academic performance but also about cultivating curious and resilient individuals capable of thriving in an ever-changing world.

The Four Modes of Learning Engagement

To better understand how disengagement manifests, Dr. Pressman introduces the Four Modes of Learning Engagement:

1. Resistors
2. Passengers
3. Achievers
4. Explorers

1. Resistors

Resistors are students who actively withdraw or act out, often labeled as "problem children." Their behaviors indicate deeper issues such as learning disabilities, bullying, or mental health challenges.

Dr. Pressman (07:57): “Resistors are the ones who are coasting along, doing the bare minimum, and often acting out because something is really in their way.”

Strategies for Resistors:

• Understand the Underlying Cause: Instead of punitive measures, parents and educators should delve into the root causes of resistance.
• Provide Support: Collaborate with parents and teachers to offer tailored support, addressing issues like bullying or learning difficulties.

2. Passengers

Passengers are students who are disengaged but not necessarily disruptive. They do the bare minimum, often expressing boredom or a lack of interest in school.

Dr. Pressman (05:19): “Passengers are coasting along, doing the bare minimum, often saying, 'This is boring' or 'I’ll never use this.'”

Strategies for Passengers:

• Foster Autonomy: Allowing students some control over their learning can reignite their interest.
• Reflective Practices: Encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences and identify areas of interest.

3. Achievers

Achievers are students who excel academically and often receive praise for their accomplishments. However, their self-worth becomes tied solely to their achievements, making them vulnerable to burnout and mental health issues.

Dr. Pressman (15:43): “Achievers try really hard and make us look good, but they can be very fragile, defining their self-worth by their achievements alone.”

Strategies for Achievers:

• Promote Balance: Encourage practices that prioritize health and well-being over academic performance.
• Value Beyond Grades: Reinforce that a child’s worth extends beyond their academic success.

4. Explorers

Explorers represent the ideal mode of engagement. These students are intrinsically motivated, curious, and capable of setting and pursuing meaningful goals.

Dr. Pressman (07:57): “Explorers are driven by intrinsic motivation. They know what they care about and how to seek the resources to achieve their goals.”

Strategies for Explorers:

• Support Interests: Facilitate opportunities for children to explore their interests deeply.
• Encourage Curiosity: Create environments where questions and exploration are welcomed and nurtured.

Promoting Agency in Children

A central theme of the discussion is the importance of agency—the ability of children to make choices and take control of their learning.

Jenny Anderson (08:41): “This isn't just about academics. It's about raising curious kids who can thrive in a world in whatever way is best for them.”

Key Points on Agency:

• Developmentally Appropriate: Agency should be fostered in age-appropriate ways, allowing children to make decisions within set boundaries.
• Scaffolded Support: Providing choices and reflecting on experiences help children build agency without feeling overwhelmed.

Dr. Pressman (22:42): “Agency is the practice of making decisions so that kids can make decisions for themselves. It’s about giving them space to try, fail, and learn.”

Balancing Achievement and Well-being

The episode underscores the delicate balance between encouraging academic achievement and ensuring children's mental and physical well-being.

Jenny Anderson (15:43): “How do you help them understand that burnout is very silent in the beginning?”

Key Strategies:

• Prioritize Health: Emphasize the importance of sleep, relaxation, and downtime over relentless academic pursuit.
• Model Balanced Behavior: Parents should exemplify balanced lifestyles, showing that productivity and relaxation coexist.

Dr. Pressman (18:09): “Your sleep is more important to me than your gold stars or your A plus. It’s a win-win because better sleep often leads to better grades.”

Supporting Interests and Curiosity

Encouraging children to pursue their interests is crucial for developing motivation and a love for learning.

Dr. Pressman (24:04): “Interests are the canvas on which skills are developed. Lean into their interests, no matter how seemingly unproductive.”

Practical Tips:

• Embrace Diverse Interests: Allow children to explore a wide range of activities, from paper airplane making to baking.
• Connect Learning to Interests: Help children see the relevance of their interests in broader contexts, enhancing their engagement.

Jenny Anderson (28:41): “We are very strong believers... find your interest, follow your interest, and be willing to change with your interests.”

Role of AI and Future Learning

The conversation briefly touches on the impact of AI and technology on learning and engagement.

Dr. Pressman (44:45): “AI can’t decide what's important or what goals to meet. It reinforces the importance of self-awareness and goal-setting in children.”

Key Insights:

• Human Agency Over Technology: Emphasizes the irreplaceable human capacity for self-awareness and intentional learning.
• Adaptability: Focuses on cultivating adaptable learners who can navigate an evolving technological landscape.

Practical Tips for Parents

In the closing segment, Dr. Pressman provides five actionable tips for parents to foster good learning habits and curiosity in their children:

1. Avoid Fixed Mindset Comments: Refrain from statements like, “I’m not a math person,” and encourage a growth mindset instead.

   Dr. Pressman (50:34): “Brains are malleable. None of us are not good at something permanently.”

2. Monitor Content, Not Surveillance: Be interested in what children are learning without being intrusive.

   Dr. Pressman (50:34): “Talk about something good that happened in their day to validate their experiences.”

3. Model the Thrill of Learning and Embrace Mistakes: Share your own learning experiences and mistakes to normalize them.

   Dr. Pressman (50:34): “Everyone makes mistakes. That is literally part of learning.”

4. Ask About the Good, Not Just the Bad: Focus conversations on positive aspects of their day before addressing challenges.

   Dr. Pressman (50:34): “Start with the good things to fill their emotional tank.”

5. Connect Learning to the Real World: Help children see the relevance of their schoolwork in real-life contexts.

   Dr. Pressman (54:06): “Connect the dots between classroom learning and the world outside.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of cultivating curious, resilient learners who possess the agency to navigate an uncertain future. By understanding the different modes of engagement, promoting balanced achievement, and supporting children’s interests, parents can combat the disengagement crisis and raise well-rounded, motivated individuals.

Dr. Pressman (48:44): “Learning in life requires courage. Kids need to be good learners, not just for school, but for life beyond it.”

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Pressman (03:05): “The disengagement crisis is pervasive. By 10th grade, only a quarter of kids say they love school, and many of them are just showing up without developing good learning habits.”

• Dr. Pressman (15:43): “Achievers try really hard and make us look good, but they can be very fragile, defining their self-worth by their achievements alone.”

• Jenny Anderson (08:41): “This isn't just about academics. It's about raising curious kids who can thrive in a world in whatever way is best for them.”

• Dr. Pressman (24:04): “Interests are the canvas on which skills are developed. Lean into their interests, no matter how seemingly unproductive.”

• Dr. Pressman (50:34): “Brains are malleable. None of us are not good at something permanently.”

By addressing the disengagement crisis through a nuanced understanding of student behavior and implementing thoughtful, evidence-based parenting strategies, Dr. Pressman and her guests offer valuable insights into fostering a lifelong love of learning in children.