The Education Game with Matt Barnes and Dr Scott Van Beck

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If you're a parent, we have a message for you. Since 2011, Matt Barnes has coached thousands of parents about their child's education, and for the last 35 years, Dr. Scott Van Beck has led schools at every level. Now, together, they help you build an inspired, 21st century, learning plan for your child. Visit theeducationgame.com to "upskill" your role as your child's learning leader.

The Education Game


    • Feb 22, 2022 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 41 EPISODES


    Latest episodes from The Education Game with Matt Barnes and Dr Scott Van Beck

    Episode 40: How Schools are Paid (and Why You Care)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 20:27


    Lesson 1: Is education is a Public Good or a marketplace. Lesson 2: Can you trust the feedback you get from your school? Lesson 3: Are good schools compensated better (since kids are learning more?) Lesson 4: What's realestate got to do with it?

    Episode 39: The Key to Succeeding Without Education

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2021 51:01


    After being relentlessly bullied in school because of a learning disability, Mikkel Thorup left the traditional education system, taking control of his own life and carving an extraordinary path for himself within the world of international travel. In this fascinating conversation, Mikkel shares with Matt his heartbreaking and engaging personal story about his educational experience and how he succeeded outside the walls of school. Listen to this full episode to her this inspiring conversation.

    Episode 38: Student Interview - Normal is Broken, Now Weird Wins

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 50:34


    Meghana, a high-performing student who is only 15-years-old, impresses Matt Barnes as she flips the table on him and interviews him around the subjects of the student debt crisis within America. Within this conversation, Meghana and Matt discuss how after she became bored during the start of the Covid pandemic, Meghana began to explore other interests outside of school, supporting Matt's idea that boredom is extremely healthy and emphasizing that weirdness truly does win. Some of the interests that Meghana explored are founding two organizations and writing a book. Listen to the full episode to hear this fascinating conversation.

    Episode 37: Stepping Outside the Box (Parent Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2021 47:13


    Within this conversation, Matt Barnes and Scott VanBeck talk with a mom about alternative learning options along with how traditional school can hinder young learners' desire to learn and grow. Stepping outside of the box, in terms of education and learning, Matt, Scott, and this parent explore other ways to help children flourish, such as self-directed learning. Apply these ideas to your situation or call Matt to schedule your own 1-on-1. www.theeducationgame.com/contact

    Episode 36: A New Way To Look At Children and Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 44:39


    In this interview with Demetria Menard and Matt Barnes, Demetria shares her radical views of how children should interact with technology, pointing parents from the typical path full of restrictions to a way that prioritizes learning. Listen to the full episode to hear this engaging, inspiring, and novel conversation.

    Episode 35: Helping Your Child Thrive (Parent Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2021 40:41


    In this parent Q&A with Matt Barnes, Matt talks with a mom about how to navigate the learning journey with a dyslexic child. Both Matt and the mom have backgrounds in parenting and education and they also converse about preparing children both for the academic and post-academic world. Apply these ideas to your situation or call me to schedule your own 1-on-1. www.theeducationgame.com/contact

    Episode 34: How to Navigate the Public School System (Parent Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2021 51:05


    In this parent Q&A with Matt Barnes, Matt talks with a mom of three about what she wants for her children's education and how to get that in the rigid structure of traditional public schools. Apply these ideas to your situation or call me to schedule your own 1-on-1: www.theeducationgame.com/contact.

    Episode 33: Fabienne Vailes, Co-Author of “How to Grow a Grown Up”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2021 54:53


    In this interview with Fabienne Vailes, Fabienne and Matt talk about Fabienne's research and experience in the world of education, including two books that she wrote and co-wrote, “The Flourishing Student” and “How to Grow a Grown Up.” Listen to the full interview to hear the engaging conversation with Matt and Fabienne.

    Episode 32: Abhi Nangia - Co-Founder of Better World Ed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2021 50:04


    From following an atypical career choice to travelling all over the world, Abhi gives this conversation a new perspective. Matt and Abhi also talk about Better World Ed, a nonprofit co-founded by Abhi that strives to help youth love lifelong learning about self, others, and the world. Listen to the full episode to hear this exciting conversation between Matt and Abhi. Visit betterworlded.org to learn more about Better World Ed and use the code EDGAMEPARENTS for a lifelong discount of 30% on the All Access Memberships.

    Episode 31: Michael Strong - Educational Innovator and Entrepreneur

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2021 39:58


    In this interview with Michael Strong, Matt and Michael discuss problems within the traditional education system and explore new and engaging ways to help young learners develop a love of learning. They also talk about Expanse, an innovative learning program founded by Michael. Go to expanseonline.co to learn more about Michael Strong or Expanse and listen to the full interview to hear this fascinating conversation with Matt Barnes and Michael Strong.

    Episode 30: Another Example of the Power of Atypical Learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2021 38:48


    In this interview, Matt Barnes talks with 17 year old Phillip Blest about Phillip's unusual high-school experience. They also converse about how Phillip was able to grow his skill set and understanding about things that he was passionate about due to his freedom from the structure of traditional school. Listen to the full interview to learn more about what atypical learning looks like in practice.

    Episode 29: Amanda Presgraves - An Innovative and Inspirational Change-Maker

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 46:39


    Amanda Presgraves and Matt Barnes talk about the danger of putting labels on young learners and about how alternative learning styles might better fit students with “disabilities” like ADHD. In addition to that, they also cover the pros and cons of non-traditional schooling and talk about Amanda's upcoming book, The NonRecipe Book. Listen to the full episode to hear Amanda's unique story and learn from her distinct insight into the world of education.

    Episode 28: Christophe Menagé - Educational Innovator

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 53:28


    “To the lovers of learning, life is pure adventure shared with adventurers.” - Pearl S. Buck. In this interview, Matt and Chris converse about education, exploration, how to shift learning from the monotony of typical school to an adventure, and how to create a world of mature, critical thinking, self-directed learners. Listen to the full episode to hear their inspiring conversation.

    Episode 27: Blake Boles - Author of “Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids To School?”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2021 39:22


    In this interview Blake Boles talks about the value of learning over grades as it prepares your child for college and life beyond school. Blake also gives parents two key takeaways from his book “College Without High-School”. Listen to the full episode to hear the transformative conversation with Matt and Blake Boles.

    Episode 26: How To Help An Unmotivated 14-year-old (Parent Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2021 29:06


    What is the most important thing for a parent to see in their child? Good grades? Or good character? And is it possible to ‘succeed' in life if you prioritize learning over grades? Listen to the full episode to hear my thoughts. Apply these ideas to your situation or call me to schedule your own 1-on-1. www.theeducationgame.com/contact

    Episode 25: Dad of PreK Learner Looking for Options (Parent Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2021 28:34


    What should a parent do when school is hurting their child's academics? How can parents find a way to continue to challenge their children academically so that they can reach their full potential? Listen to the full episode to hear my recommendations. Apply these ideas to your situation or call me to schedule your own 1-on-1. www.theeducationgame.com/contact

    Episode 24: A burned out 5-year-old (Parent Q&A)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2021 32:47


    What should a parent do when her kindergartner is burned out, frustrated, and beginning to associate learning with pain? Listen to the full episode to hear my recommendations. Apply these ideas to your situation or call me to schedule your own 1-on-1. www.theeducationgame.com/contact

    Episode 23: Are Writers Born or Made?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2021 30:08


    Are writers born or made? Dr. Robin Reagler, long time executive director of Writers In The Schools (WITS) says, "Writers are MADE!" What does it take to build, grow, and inspire a young writer? Dr. Robin is the person to ask.

    Episode 22: "I (Don't) Hate Math, Mom!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 50:12


    For the parents of children who have ever said: "I hate math!" or "I don't like math!" or "I'm not good at math." Jen Mascheck has been in hundreds (thousands?!) of classrooms and worked with many hundreds of teachers. She helps parents become better at supporting math learning at home.

    Episode 21: Can You Read This?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2021 39:43


    Dr. Scott and Matt discuss the importance of reading and also highlight different strategies to engage students in their learning and accelerate their character growth.

    Episode 20: Anytime, Anywhere Learning

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 40:07


    Dr. Scott and Matt unpack the new truth about learning: It is not limited to school. Learning happens anytime and anywhere.

    Episode 19: Kelly Young - Education Reimagined

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2021 44:11


    Kelly runs Education Reimagined, a national nonprofit that is at the forefront of learning redesign. More information at https://education-reimagined.org/

    Episode 18: Amy Anderson - ReSchool Colorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2021 39:19


    Dr. Scott and Matt chat with Amy Anderson, Executive Director of ReSchool Colorado to learn about how their work can inform and guide parents across the country. More information at: http://www.reschoolcolorado.org/

    Black Girl Magic School: A School Built for Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 55:12


    We each interviewed the Founder of Black Girl Magic School, an intentional MicroSchool in Houston. As you listen, imagine what these children are receiving -- not only in book smarts… but in confidence, agency, and character. Wouldn't you want this for your child? If so, we'll show how in future episodes.

    Episode 16: The Path Forward

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 33:33


    We are done with 2020. Now we look forward to several shows about the future of learning. Today's episode frames that pathway.

    Episode 15: Good Riddance! Year in Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2020 36:17


    Who is glad that 2020 is over? Happy Holidays from The Education Game. In this final 2020 podcast, Matt and Dr. Scott discuss five things we've learned as a country about virtual learning. Spoiler alert: We have work to do.

    Episode 14: Finally. An Honest Discussion with School Board Members.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 45:40


    A surprisingly honest interview from a former and current school board member of the 7th largest school district in the country (Houston Independent School District).

    Episode 13: Innovator of Learning with Tory Gattis

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2020 35:06


    What do those on the cutting edge of learning think the future will look like? Imagine a future where “school” is replaced by “what works for kids.” MicroSchools, flexibility, emphasis on learning not grades, etc. Listen to Tory to see the future.

    Episode 12: Innovator of Learning: Cath Fraise

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 52:40


    Imagine an educational environment that offered creative, challenging, and collaborative learning opportunities while also preparing children (and their parents) for the future of work and society. Meet Cath Fraise, Innovator of Learning.

    Episode 11: Why Public Schools Don't Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2020 46:18


    What does a former State Superintendent of Ohio think about the state of schools? Dr. Susan Zelman is an educational “insider” who thinks like an outsider. As a parent and grandparent, she has seen the system problems close up and is now writing a book that discusses “The Buying and Selling of American Students.”

    Episode 10: What Laura Isensee didn't have time to ask…

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 63:08


    Two Learner's Perspectives: Learning improvements in COVID? Local NPR reporter Laura Isensee interviewed two students about their experience with COVID. We tracked down these young learners to hear more about how learning has changed -- and improved?! -- during COVID. Here's an interview with learners for a change.

    Episode 9: The Art of Negotiation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 40:52


    Parents who learn how to negotiate help themselves and their children. This episode refers to the blog post titled, “The Art of Negotiation” and describes the inner workings of schools. Why negotiation by some parents succeed, why some parents don't negotiate, and why schools are conflicted by both.

    Episode 8: Toilet Paper or Diploma. High School or College.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2020 40:52


    How do high schools and colleges define a “successful student?” This episode follows up on a recent blog post by Dr. Scott Van Beck titled, “Toilet Paper or Diploma?” and takes a hard look at the measures we use to determine success in K-12 and higher education.

    Episode 7: What Does a Self-Directed Learner Look Like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2020 40:52


    What does a teenage self-directed learner look like? This episode interviews a 16-year-old who quit a prestigious high school after completing a straight-A freshman year. She loved the school. She loved the people. But she hated the confinement. Let's meet Olivia. A 16-year-old who is reinventing education.

    Episode 6: Parent Deep Dive with Dree

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 40:52


    This is the first of a series of interviews with a parent, Dree, regarding her child's education. Every few weeks we will work with Dree, giving her coaching and support, and track how things progress for her kids. Join us and learn how you can better support your child along the way.

    Episode 5: How a Techie Views Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 40:52


    How is learning changing? Learning is going through a transformation unseen in 100+ years. What does this mean for kids and families? What opportunities might present themselves as a result of the technological advancements? Joining Andrew Sachs, MIT grad and tech entrepreneur as we discuss the present and future of learning.

    Episode 4: Exploring and Structuring Home Learning (DO NOT MISS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 40:52


    If school is not working, what should a parent do? Parents: No more suffering in silence. When education is not working, ask for help. Explore opportunities to improve. Call us if you dare. We must not accept a season of mediocrity for our kids. Kelley is an example of a parent who is exploring her options. Hopefully some of what we discuss resonates with you and can help you on your journey.

    Episode 3: The Secret Weapon: Grandmother to the rescue!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 40:52


    What “assets” can a parent bring around their child to improve educational success? How about a grandparent? Every parent faces limits of time and talent. Head Coach Parents strategically use ALL assets available to them to support the child. In today's episode, Dr. Scott and Matt discuss, then interview, one grandparent who was called back into service.

    Episode 2: A Mom Considering Educational Options

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2020 40:52


    Should Brenda send her child to the local public school, the area charter school, or educate at home during COVID? Like many moms, Brenda is wrestling with what to do during COVID. She feels “stuck,” but as you'll hear, she has more options than she thought!

    Episode 1: A Different Educational Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 41:48


    Topic/Question: What does it take to educate a child during COVID? Description: This show describes the centrality of the parent in education and how COVID is forcing parents to reassert themselves. Typically, parents receive no encouragement or coaching in how to become truly “empowered” or why it matters. Now, because of COVID, parents are asking new questions, they are pushing back on antiquated school requirements and many parents are leading in ways they never thought they could. This show will coach parents to set a different tone through COVID and beyond. A tone that places themselves and their children at the center of education.

    Welcome To The Education Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2020 0:50


    So, you probably never expected you'd become a home school teacher. We'll it's time to up your Education Game. If your kids are logging back on to virtual learning this fall, you can make the most of every lesson thanks to The Education Game a podcast where we give you the playbook on how to be a highly engaged parent. On this show, We'll provide you with practical guidance, support, and sometimes some hard truths for parents wanting to enhance their student's education expreciance. To learn more, subscribe to the show at TheEducationGame.com

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