Why do so many kids seem unmotivated at school, and what can we do about it? In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, we’re taking a look at what’s really going on with student engagement, especially during those tricky adolescent years. 

Our guests, Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson, co-authors of The Disengaged Teen, join Emily to break it all down. From the four types of learners—the Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—to how we can help kids tap into curiosity and motivation, this conversation is full of eye-opening insights for both parents and educators. 

They also unpack the pressures of today’s achievement culture, the influence of tech and AI, and most importantly, how parents and teachers can support teens in becoming more confident, engaged learners.

Listen and Learn: 

• Why Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson wrote a game-changing book to fix the student disengagement crisis
• Why only 4% of teens feel truly engaged in school, and what you can do to change that
• What true engagement looks like in your teen 
• How boosting your child’s engagement in learning can improve grades, motivation, and mental health
• Why the “age of achievement” hoop-jumping is harming your child and how to shift toward true agency
• How your child can shift between four learning modes and how you can help them thrive
• Spotting if your child’s stuck in “passenger mode” and igniting their true learning spark
• How your neurodivergent or struggling child can unlock support and build resilience
• How your well-meaning expectations might be fueling your child’s harmful perfectionism
• Turning your child’s “resistor mode” into growth by truly understanding and supporting them
• Why your child’s curiosity and choices spark real learning skills that grades and rules can’t teach
• How your curiosity and relationship with your child can transform their learning mindset

Resources: 

• The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better:
• https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593727072
• Jenny’s website: https://www.jennywestanderson.org/ 
• Rebecca’s website: https://www.rebeccawinthrop.com/
• Connect with Rebecca on social media: 

https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccawinthrop/?hl=en

https://x.com/rebeccawinthrop?lang=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winthrop-b36b0617

• Connect with Jenny on social media: 

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jennyandersonnyt

https://x.com/jwestanderson?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/jennyandersonwrites/?hl=en 

About Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson

Rebecca Winthrop is a leading global authority on education, the director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in life, work, and as an engaged citizen. She leads cutting-edge research and initiatives aimed at transforming education systems around the world to better support children's learning and development. 

Rebecca is a trusted advisor to both school communities and national and international organizations. Her expertise is sought by many including parent networks, schools, district education leaders, the White House, the United Nations, and Fortune 500 companies. Rebecca's work is centered on developing and advocating for evidence-based strategies that bring people together—families, educators, policymakers, and companies—to help children maximize their potential. 

She holds a PhD from Columbia University’s Teachers College, an MA from its School of International and Public Affairs, and a BA from Swarthmore College.

Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience. Her work has appeared in some of the world’s leading publications, including The New York Times, where she was on staff for 10 years, TIME, The Atlantic, the Wall Street Journal and Quartz.

Related Episodes:

• 369. Good News About Adolescence with Ellen Galinsky
• 344. Differently Wired Kids with Deborah Reber
• 332. Middle School Superpowers with Phyllis Fagell
• 324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace
• 319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with Emily Edlynn
• 272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell

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