About this episode
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
