Click for full show notes, exercises, and parenting scripts from this episodeIt’s difficult to get a teen to care about academics, but with the coronavirus pandemic forcing schools to move to remote coursework or close altogether, teens are even less motivated to keep up their studies. Parents across the world are struggling to keep their teens interested in education, particularly those enrolled in the traditional “time spent” schools.  But there is something parents can do, and maybe be better equipped to do than teachers: encourage their teen’s curiosity. With a completely altered world, now just might be the perfect time to help your teen change their perspective on education, knowledge, and intellect.  To learn more about how this could work, I spoke with Tony Wagner, author of several books on education most recently his memoir, Learning by Heart: An Unconventional Education. Himself a one-time high school dropout and two-time college dropout, Tony nevertheless hit his stride after letting his curiosity and interests—plus a heavy dose of discipline and concentration—guide him to success. After “quitting” school a number of times, Tony eventually made his way to Harvard University’s School of Education, earning a PhD while teaching, researching, and writing. In our interview, not only does Wagner walk me through some of his comedic personal stories (all the way from a conservative all-boys boarding school to San Francisco in the late ‘60s), but he explains how the most impactful parts of his education were often unconventional. Taking classes for no credit, having options as to what he would study, and being given the freedom to explore his own creativity were all recurring themes throughout his personal journey. These experiences are in stark contrast to the typical cookie-cutter schools where all students are asked to prepare for tests and perform rote tasks. Wagner, like so many modern students, struggled and questioned the merits of a rigid educational system.Now a world-renowned expert in education, Wagner knows exactly why he and so many other growing men and women feel unfulfilled in America’s educational system. Having worked in all areas of the education system, from the classroom and administration and from prestigious institutions such as Sidwell and second chance schools, he gives excellent advice on how to foster curiosity, support struggling students, and reframe education to appeal to all students. In this interview, listeners will hear:
How teachers, coaches, and parents can push their child’s potential
The importance of discipline and concentration--not just interest
A warning from Tony about all-boys schools
How schools have fallen into the ‘time spent’ trap
Why we all need to rethink the purpose of education
Wagner’s advice is especially relevant in the classroom, but parents are perhaps the most vital teachers for their teenage children now, no matter if you know the answers to their homework or not! Wagner’s own story of overcoming a school system that didn’t feel right to him, plus his research on what’s students need to thrive will hopefully leave us all a bit more hopeful during these odd times!This week’s sponsor is Prompt, a company whose mission is to help students be more prepared for AP exams. Use the code TEENS at checkout for $10 off.