Podcasts about universal education

The conversation around AI in education is changing fast, and the latest GSV Learning and Earning Forecast now identifies trust as the factor that will determine the near-term future of AI in the classroom. In this episode, we explore the “AI trust gap” forming between the people racing to expand AI in schools and the educators, parents, and students who are starting to push back. Through discussions with educators, school leaders, learning science researchers, analysts, ed tech developers, AI vendors, and non-profits across the community, we zoom in on the hard questions surrounding AI's future in education. What happens when innovation starts moving faster than trust? What is required to bridge the gap? Who is working on solutions? What's working? Sources: Forecast for Learning & Earning in 2025-2026 | Digital Promise | Learning Commons | Surgeon General's Office Advises Schools to Limit Screen Time | Teachers and parents weigh benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in schools | Do AI's risks outweigh the benefits for students and schools? | Fostering Trust in the Age of AI | GSVtv | The Next AI Maturity Curve – Orchestration, Trust, and Scale | AI is Air: Ambient AI in Every Breath, Step, and Swipe | GSVtv | Lincoln High students swap screen time for study time after phone ban | How to Choose Safe and Effective Classroom Technology | More Students Boo AI at Commencement Nick Melvoin, a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board member who recently drafted a resolution to restrict student screen time in classrooms. Sandra Liu Huang, Head of Education & Product at CZI and president of Learning Commons. Jean Claude Brizard– President and CEO of Digital Promise. Jeremy Roschelle– Executive Director of Digital Promise's Learning Sciences Research team. Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer, Instructure. Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., Superintendent of Lynwood Unified School District. Justin Reich, Director of Teaching Systems Lab at MIT. Jennifer Lee Partner GSV Ventures. Muktha Ananda– Google's Director of Engineering. Robert Wong, Google's Director of Product Management. Brian Carslon, CEO, Storytime AI.Tim Sanders, Chief Innovation Officer at G2 and Executive Fellow at Harvard. Chris Hamatake, parent. Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings. Dr. Eugene Kim, Professor of Education at Concordia University.

Many faculty, administrators, and students often become caught up in the potential benefits of new technology, but do not always consider the long-term consequences. In this episode, Rebecca Winthrop joins us to discuss a report summarizing the long-term benefits and risks associated with student use of generative AI. Rebecca is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, where her research focuses on education globally. Rebecca leads the Brookings Global Task Force on AI in Education and co-leads the Family Engagement in Education Network. In addition to her work with many other global education initiatives, Rebecca has served as the U.N. Secretary General's Global Education First Initiative's Technical Advisory Group and served as co-lead for the Learning Metrics Task Force with the UNESCO Institute of Statistics. Rebecca is also a lecturer at Georgetown University and, with Jenny Anderson, the co-author of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

In today's episode, we'll review the 12 suggested action step for effectively adopting AI into our schools as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." 

This teaching was given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Lama Tsonkhapa Institute in Italy as part of the Ganden Lha Gyama retreat between September 3-30, 2004.00:00:36 Rinpoche emphasizes the urgent need to receive funding to complete the Maitreya Project statue and benefit sentient beings.00:02:24 Rinpoche discusses the importance of supporting Sangha in various monasteries around the world by providing facilities, education, and food.00:03:19 Building holy objects in different parts of the world is as an easy way to help sentient beings purify negative karma, collect merit, and achieve realizations on the path to enlightenment.00:04:04 Rinpoche expresses the wish to establish more beneficial hospitals and social services for the elderly, similar to successful projects already underway in Australia.00:07:01 The importance of Universal Education is discussed, especially in countries with a lot of violence. Rinpoche praises an existing project in India that has been very beneficial in developing students' minds.00:10:38 Urgent social service needs in Mongolia are highlighted, such as providing food and shelter for the homeless. Establishing good monastic education with qualified teachers is also a priority to help revive Buddhism in Mongolia.00:15:37 In conclusion, Rinpoche emphasizes that the real aim is to bring temporary and ultimate happiness to all sentient beings. He encourages everyone to pray and dedicate their practice for the success of these vast projects to illuminate the minds of all beings.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/

In today's episode, we'll review the potential risks of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." Visit AVID Open Access to learn more. 

In today's episode, we'll review the potential benefits of AI in education as outlined in The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In today's episode, we'll review an overview of The Center for Universal Education at Brookings' study titled, "A New Direction for Students in an AI World: Prosper, Prepare, Protect." Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

The promise of AI in education is incredible: picture infinitely patient tutors that can teach every student exactly the way they need to be taught. But the history of education technology tells us that these kinds of simple, optimistic stories are naive. Ask any teacher or student whether they feel unleashed by technology to do their best work.  Because AI has the potential to completely transform education — is already transforming it — faster than educators can keep up, it's essential that we start asking the big questions: how should these tools be used in the classroom? What's the purpose of education in an AI age? And how do we prepare students for a future that's still so radically uncertain? Our guest this week actually has some answers. Rebecca Winthrop leads the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, and they just released a report called A New Direction for Students in an AI World. She and her colleagues conducted an extensive ‘pre-mortem' of AI in the classroom, speaking with hundreds of educators, students, policy-makers, and technologists worldwide.  In this episode, Rebecca walks us through what she's learned — what's working, what's not, and most importantly, what are the concrete steps that parents, teachers, and administrators can and should take right now?   RECOMMENDED MEDIA A New Direction for Students in An AI World The Disengaged Teen by Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson   RECOMMENDED YUA EPISODES Rethinking School in the Age of AI Attachment Hacking and the Rise of AI Psychosis How OpenAI's ChatGPT Guided a Teen to His Death AI and the Future of Work: What You Need to Know Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Based on a recent listener question about how to start to let go as our kids get older, this "Deep Dive" series highlights some of our past interview episodes on the topic. Are teenagers destined to be "over" everything? ⁠Jenny Anderson⁠ and ⁠Rebecca Winthrop⁠, authors of ⁠THE DISENGAGED TEEN⁠, explain what's behind what they call the "teen disengagement crisis" and how parents can act. Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience. Rebecca Winthrop is the director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Jenny, Rebecca, and Margaret discuss: The four different modes of learning that teens tend to engage in What academic disengagement in a teen really signals about them How parents can help their kids get more excited about learning Here's where you can find Jenny and Rebecca: ⁠www.jennywestanderson.org⁠ ⁠www.rebeccawinthrop.com⁠ ⁠www.thedisengagedteen.com⁠ @jennyandersonwrites and @drrebeccawinthrop on IG #DisengagedTeen #LearnBetterLiveBetter Buy THE DISENGAGED TEEN: ⁠https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593727072⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠⁠ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, kids stress, decluttering, meal prepping, time management, teen disengagement, disengaged teen, high school boredom, Jenny Anderson, Rebecca Winthrop, The Disengaged Teen, teen motivation, student engagement, education psychology, parenting teens, academic burnout, learning styles, four modes of learning, school stress, teen mental health, re-engaging teens, motivation in teens, parenting strategies, education reform, adolescent development, emotional learning, growth mindset, student success, learning motivation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is affecting every aspect of our lives, including education. When it comes to the impact of AI on kids' learning and overall wellbeing, we don't have the luxury of waiting on long-term studies. There is, however, a new “pre-mortem” study out from Brookings, looking at whether AI does more good or more harm in education. Here with the answers is Dr. Rebecca Winthrop, Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings Institution. She helps make sense of this new landscape and the best way forward for schools, policymakers, and parents.  Show Notes: Watch the full episode on Youtube! Join the LESS AWKWARD MEMBERSHIP HUB Go to Quince.com/AWKWARD for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.  Download the FREE Playbook for Getting Your Kid to Talk Order our book This Is So Awkward Check out all our speaking and curriculum at www.lessawkward.com and our super comfy products at www.myoomla.com To bring us to your school or community email operations@lessawkward.com To submit listener questions email podcast@lessawkward.com Produced by Peoples Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are we heading in the right direction with AI in education, or drifting into a "wild west" of privacy risks and lost learning? In this episode, Rebecca Winthrop, senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, sits down with tech reporter Kara Swisher to unpack the urgent findings from her task force's new report, "A new direction for students in an AI world: Prosper, prepare, protect." The episode also features highlights from the report's launch event, where student co-author Rida Karim joins the conversation to discuss practical strategies for integrating AI without sacrificing critical thinking. Show notes and transcript. Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu.

It's pretty clear from the statistics that there is a huge youth demographic bulge on the continent of Africa. 40% of its population is aged 15 or younger (as of 2021). The population of young people aged 15-24 in Africa is projected to reach 500 million in 2080. But as Prof. Kingsley Moghalu from the African School of Governance said at Harvard University's African Development Conference in April last year, there is no guarantee that this will lead to positive outcomes for individual young people, countries or the continent as a whole. In order to enable all these amazing possibilities education is going to be a key factor in these emerging possibilities and scenarios. There are few researchers, communicators or advocates of education across Africa more brilliant or well-placed than my guest this week to speak to these questions. Dr. Modupe (Mo) Olateju is a fellow with the Center for Universal Education in the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings Institution. She is an international development specialist with expertise in public-private partnership in education with additional research interests in education innovation and foundational learning. She established The Education Partnership (TEP) Centre and led the organization's pioneering work in applied education research in Nigeria and across Africa for 10 years. She is also Board Chair at the Malala Fund and member of the Executive Board at Fab AI.  Links to Mo's work: https://moolateju.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-adefeso-olateju/https://www.brookings.edu/people/modupe-mo-olateju/https://tepcentre.com/Ref. Africa By 2040: The Future of Africa's Youth. Keynote Address by Professor Kingsley Moghalu  President, African School of Governance. Harvard University's African Development Conference 2025, 12 April 2025. https://asg.ac/africa-by-2040-the-future-of-africas-youth/

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they kick off 2026 with a wide-ranging Week in EdTech conversation covering tech backlash, AI in education, market consolidation, consumer learning tools, and major voices shaping the future of teaching and learning.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:00:00] Growing tech backlash around screen time, phone bans, and distrust of edtech.[00:03:55] PowerSchool layoffs reflect private equity pressure and profitability focus.[00:06:30] Layoffs highlight the human cost for educators working in edtech.[00:09:04] Screen time skepticism reaches adult learning and professional assessments.[00:10:52] Big Tech ramps up AI competition as Meta, Amazon, and Apple reposition.[00:12:42] Consumer AI learning startups draw VC attention amid edtech valuation gaps.[00:13:58] Funding: Obo raises $16M Series A for AI-generated, multimodal courses.[00:17:16] UX, speed, and multimodality emerge as key edtech differentiators.[00:19:10] Speechify secures NYC schools deal, blending accessibility with consumer-grade UX.[00:21:08] Engagement-first consumer learning apps challenge traditional edtech models.Plus, special guests:[00:23:48] Eli Luberoff, Founder of Desmos Studio, on creative math tools and Desmos Professional.[00:50:28] Rebecca Winthrop, Senior Fellow and Director, Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, on how AI risks currently outweigh benefits for students without better guardrails.

Send us a textJanuary 2026 marks National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States ( https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/ ) and the 100th anniversary of the 1926 Slavery Convention that intended to abolish slavery worldwide. But, the highest number of people ever recorded are currently trapped in modern slavery.Dr. Xanthe Scharff, Ph.D. is the Managing Director for External Affairs and Editor-at-Large at The Freedom Fund ( https://www.freedomfund.org/person/xanthe-scharff/ ), a global fund seeking to end modern slavery, acting as a catalyst, working in the countries and sectors where it is still highly prevalent, and she leads development and communications efforts and serves as an ambassador for the organization in the United States.Dr. Scharff is a media executive, nonprofit founder, and journalist with a deep commitment to centering the stories and leadership of people on the frontlines of change. She co-founded The Fuller Project—the global newsroom dedicated to groundbreaking journalism about women—while reporting in Turkey and on the Syrian border in 2014. Under her leadership, The Fuller Project drove large-scale policy change, won 39 industry awards, and investigated trafficking and workplace exploitation in Somaliland, Lesotho, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and Bangladesh. Dr. Scharff is the founder and board chair emeritus of Advancing Girls' Education in Africa, an education nonprofit that provides scholarships and peer mentoring in Malawi. The National Association of Black Journalists gave her the Salute To Excellence Award in ‘24 for magazine reporting about the girls that inspired her to start the nonprofit. Dr. Scharff is the former deputy of the Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution, where she helped advance education policies that impacted billions of dollars in development spending. She has received distinguished alumni awards from Tufts University, The Fletcher School  and National Cathedral School; was named top 40 under 40 by the Center for Leadership Excellence; and received a Genius Grant for climate journalism from the HGB Foundation. Dr.  Scharff's and her teams' work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, The Associated Press, Politico, Reuters, The Guardian, The Washington Post, CNN, The Telegraph, USA Today, CBS, NBC, Al Jazeera, the BBC and beyond.Dr. Scharff has BA in International Affairs and Latin American Politics, from New York University, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Relations and Affairs and a Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, in International Security, Human Security, and International Development, both from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. #XantheScharff #TheFreedomFund #ModernSlavery #HumanTrafficking #BondedLabour #ForcedLabour #DomesticServitude #ChildLabour #ExploitativeChildWork #ForcedMarriage #MigrationRelatedExploitation #SexualExploitation #MacKenzieScott #HumanRights #STEM #Innovation #Science #Technology #Research #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #Podcasting #ViralPodcastSupport the show

Artificial Intelligence (AI), is heralding a profound shift in how we learn, work, and live. To gain insight into how AI is reshaping the American workforce and economy, two Brookings experts join this episode of The Current. First, Molly Kinder, senior fellow in Brookings Metro, examines how AI is impacting the American workforce today; and then Senior Fellow Rebecca Winthrop, director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, looks at how we can prepare our students to thrive in the future workforce. Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu.

Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin and Ben Kornell as they recap a post–New York EdTech Week full of highs and hard truths.✨ Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] Alpha School's backlash and what it reveals about AI-based education. [00:06:58] EdTech's new K–20 alliance with Microsoft and Google for responsible AI. [00:10:09] The risks and lessons from Alpha School's rapid rise and fall. [00:21:53] Chegg cuts 45% of staff amid AI disruption and market pressure. [00:26:01] Kaplan launches AI tools built on 85 years of learner data. [00:31:02] Mem0 raises $23M to build a universal AI memory layer. [00:38:10] Cal State's OpenAI deal sparks debate on Big Tech in higher ed. [00:44:18] The media's anti-AI narrative and its impact on innovation. Plus, special guests:[00:50:24] Rebecca Winthrop, Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, and Jenny Anderson, award-winning journalist and co-author of The Disengaged Teen, on student agency, engagement, and the four learner modes. [01:11:14] Justin Reich, Director of the MIT Teaching Systems Lab, on AI in Schools: Perspectives for the Perplexed and how educators can experiment safely with emerging AI tools. 

The U.S. higher education system has been a primary source of research that fuels innovation in science and industry, provides students from low-income communities opportunity to escape from poverty, and enriches the lives of graduates. In this episode, Rebecca Winthrop joins us to discuss how changes in federal policy are affecting the U.S. educational system and, ultimately, our society.  Rebecca is a senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, where her research focuses on education globally. Rebecca leads the Brookings Global Task Force on AI in Education and co-leads the Family Engagement in Education Network. In addition to her work with many other global education initiatives, Rebecca has served as the U.N. Secretary General's Global Education First Initiative's Technical Advisory Group and served as co-lead for the Learning Metrics Task Force with the UNESCO Institute of Statistics. Rebecca is also a lecturer at Georgetown University and, with Jenny Anderson, the co-author of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Guest 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 is the co-author with Jenny Anderson of The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. 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. Summary Jeff and Rebecca explore how schools' outdated designs hinder student agency and engagement. They unpack the four “disengagement modes,” highlight practices that foster curiosity and autonomy, and stress the role of families, teachers, and systemic reform in helping students become lifelong, self-directed learners. Key Takeaways Outdated Structures vs. Agency: Schools were built for compliance, not curiosity—modern learning must cultivate student agency and exploration. Four Modes of Engagement: Students move among Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer engagement modes. Pathways Forward: Family collaboration, autonomy-supportive teaching, and project-based learning help students thrive and connect knowledge to real life. Social Media Instagram: @drrebeccawinthrop TikTok: @drrebeccawinthrop LinkedIn: Rebecca Winthrop

Send us a textThis episode has been a long time coming—and one I'm beyond thrilled to share. I sit down with Dr. Rebecca Winthrop, co-author of The Disengaged Teen (with Jenny Anderson) and Director of Universal Education and Senior Fellow – Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution. Dr. Winthrop's work has shaped my own research in education policy, and this new book stopped me in my tracks with its insights.So often, when we talk about teens struggling in school, we blame technology, social media, or even parenting boundaries. But as Dr. Winthrop explains, the real challenge is engagement. Together, we dive into the four learning modes that shape how students connect with their education—and what parents, educators, and policymakers can do to reimagine classrooms where teens feel connected, curious, and capable.We also talk about the role of AI in education. One of my biggest takeaways? When we view AI through the lens of these learning modes, it can be a powerful tool for enhancing—not replacing—learning.If you care about the future of education, you'll want to listen to this one. Then, grab the book, share your thoughts, and join the conversation.

MacKenzie Price, co-founder of Alpha School, and Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, join Kevin Frazier, the AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior Editor at Lawfare, to review how AI is being integrated into the classroom at home and abroad. MacKenzie walks through the use of predictive AI in Alpha School classrooms. Rebecca provides a high-level summary of ongoing efforts around the globe to bring AI into the education pipeline. This conversation is particularly timely in the wake of the AI Action Plan, which built on the Trump administration's prior calls for greater use of AI from K to 12 and beyond. Learn more about Alpha School here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/27/us/politics/ai-alpha-school-austin-texas.html and here: https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/your-review-alpha-schoolLearn about the Brookings Global Task Force on AI in Education here: https://www.brookings.edu/projects/brookings-global-task-force-on-ai-in-education/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 crisisWhy only 4% of teens feel truly engaged in school, and what you can do to change thatWhat true engagement looks like in your teen How boosting your child's engagement in learning can improve grades, motivation, and mental healthWhy the “age of achievement” hoop-jumping is harming your child and how to shift toward true agencyHow your child can shift between four learning modes and how you can help them thriveSpotting if your child's stuck in “passenger mode” and igniting their true learning sparkHow your neurodivergent or struggling child can unlock support and build resilienceHow your well-meaning expectations might be fueling your child's harmful perfectionismTurning your child's “resistor mode” into growth by truly understanding and supporting themWhy your child's curiosity and choices spark real learning skills that grades and rules can't teachHow your curiosity and relationship with your child can transform their learning mindsetResources: The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better:https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593727072Jenny'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=enhttps://x.com/rebeccawinthrop?lang=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winthrop-b36b0617Connect with Jenny on social media: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jennyandersonnythttps://x.com/jwestanderson?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/jennyandersonwrites/?hl=en About Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny AndersonRebecca 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 Galinsky344. Differently Wired Kids with Deborah Reber332. Middle School Superpowers with Phyllis Fagell324. Toxic Achievement Culture with Jennifer Wallace319. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting with Emily Edlynn272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis FagellSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What was meant to be a gathering to support Israeli hostages held by Hamas turned into a crime scene in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday when a man attacked Jewish attendees with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flame thrower. This is just the latest in a series of heinous assaults on Jewish people in America. Joining the show to discuss is Michael Bernstein, chair of the board of the Tree of Life, a non-profit organization started by the community and congregation leaders in Pittsburgh after 11 Jewish worshippers were brutally gunned down in 2018.  Also on today's show: Col. Cedric Leighton, Military Analyst / U.S. Air Force (Ret.); Rebecca Winthrop, Director, Center for Universal Education, Brookings / Author, "The Disengaged Teen"; composer David Yazbek ("Dead Outlaw"); Michael Luo, Executive Editor, The New Yorker  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we explore the transformation of education systems. How does change happen? Is change always positive? And what do we even mean by an education system? With me are Sara Ruto, Rakesh Rajani, and Brad Olsen. Earlier this year, they were part of a Brookings Roundtable discussion about what it means to integrate scaling impact and systems transformation to advance education improvement around the world. Sara Ruto is a Program Officer at Echidna Giving, Rakesh Rajani is the President of JustSystems, and Brad Olsen is a senior fellow with the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. freshedpodcast.com/ruto-rajani-olsen/ -- Get in touch! Twitter: @FreshEdpodcast Facebook: FreshEd Email: info@freshedpodcast.com

I honestly don't know how I should be educating my kids. A.I. has raised a lot of questions for schools. Teachers have had to adapt to the most ingenious cheating technology ever devised. But for me, the deeper question is: What should schools be teaching at all? A.I. is going to make the future look very different. How do you prepare kids for a world you can't predict?And if we can offload more and more tasks to generative A.I., what's left for the human mind to do?Rebecca Winthrop is the director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. She is also an author, with Jenny Anderson, of “The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better.” We discuss how A.I. is transforming what it means to work and be educated, and how our use of A.I. could revive — or undermine — American schools.Mentioned:Brookings Global Task Force on AI EducationWinthrop's World of EducationBook Recommendations:Democracy and Education by John DeweyUnwired by Gaia BernsteinBlueprint for Revolution by Srdja PopovicThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find the transcript and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.htmlThis episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Annie Galvin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota. Our executive producer is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Marie Cascione, Rollin Hu, Elias Isquith, Marina King, Jan Kobal, Kristin Lin and Jack McCordick. Original music by Pat McCusker. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The director of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Alexander Gil Fuentes and Switch and Board Podcast Studio. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

AI has upended schooling as we know it. Students now have instant access to tools that can write their essays, summarize entire books, and solve complex math problems. Whether they want to or not, many feel pressured to use these tools just to keep up. Teachers, meanwhile, are left questioning how to evaluate student performance and whether the whole idea of assignments and grading still makes sense. The old model of education suddenly feels broken.So what comes next?In this episode, Daniel and Tristan sit down with cognitive neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf and global education expert Rebecca Winthrop—two lifelong educators who have spent decades thinking about how children learn and how technology reshapes the classroom. Together, they explore how AI is shaking the very purpose of school to its core, why the promise of previous classroom tech failed to deliver, and how we might seize this moment to design a more human-centered, curiosity-driven future for learning.Your Undivided Attention is produced by the Center for Humane Technology. Follow us on X: @HumaneTech_GuestsRebecca Winthrop is director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution and chair Brookings Global Task Force on AI and Education. Her new book is The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, co-written with Jenny Anderson.Maryanne Wolf is a cognitive neuroscientist and expert on the reading brain. Her books include Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain and Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World.RECOMMENDED MEDIA The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny AndersonProust and the Squid, Reader, Come Home, and other books by Maryanne WolfThe OECD research which found little benefit to desktop computers in the classroomFurther reading on the Singapore study on digital exposure and attention cited by Maryanne The Burnout Society by Byung-Chul Han Further reading on the VR Bio 101 class at Arizona State University cited by Rebecca Leapfrogging Inequality by Rebecca WinthropThe Nation's Report Card from NAEP Further reading on the Nigeria AI Tutor Study Further reading on the JAMA paper showing a link between digital exposure and lower language development cited by Maryanne Further reading on Linda Stone's thesis of continuous partial attention.RECOMMENDED YUA EPISODESWe Have to Get It Right': Gary Marcus On Untamed AI AI Is Moving Fast. We Need Laws that Will Too.Jonathan Haidt On How to Solve the Teen Mental Health Crisis

In this episode of Main Street Matters, Elaine Parker speaks with Dave Brat, Senior Vice President of Business Relations at Liberty University, about the critical issues surrounding education freedom in America. They discuss the importance of parental control in education, the challenges posed by the current education system, and the potential benefits of universal education freedom. Brat shares his extensive background in education and economics, emphasizing the need for reform to improve educational outcomes for all students. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network. For more visit JobCreatorsNetwork.com Join us at the 2025 JCN Summit & Gala on May 1-2 in Savannah, GA. Get your tickets HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In todays episode Dr. Resa E Lewiss speaks with Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and director of the Center for Universal Education. They focus our discussion on #educationhealth via her co-authored book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better. They discuss the importance of engagement in education, the crisis of disengagement among students, and the various modes of engagement that students exhibit. Rebecca  shares her experiences as a parent and researcher, emphasizing: —the need for educational systems to adapt to the changing needs of students in a world increasingly influenced by technology and generative AI —the mental health implications of the "achiever" teen  —relational health, and the impact of parental support on children's learning experiences. —radical downtime as essential for creativity —the detrimental effects of nagging on teen motivation If you enjoy the show, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating or review on Apple or YouTube and subscribe via the Website.

“If the language isn't there, I have difficulty showing up for the idea” - Jenny AndersonJess here. Rebecca Winthrop, Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, and Jenny Anderson, award-winning journalist, paired up to write one of my favorite education and parenting books in recent memory: The Disengaged Teen. While I adore the book and could go on for ages about it, that's not why I invited these two to come on the podcast. I am fascinated - and strangely horrified - by the idea of co-writing. Maybe it's my control issues, who knows. I've asked Sarina Bowen about her writing partnerships with Tanya Eby and Elle Kennedy (come ON now, have you read their award-winning trilogy, Him, Us and Epic?) so I thought I'd give her a bit of a break and ask Rebecca and Jenny to tell me all about how their writing collaboration went with this book. I learned a lot during this podcast, but the thing I'm definitely taking with me is the concept of “clearing” before a collaboration or writing session. I've tried it a few times and so far, I love it. No, I can't find any links for this specific practice despite the breadcrumbs “Narrative company” and “clearing,” so if you find out on your own, drop me a line so I can give credit where credit is due. Things we mention in the episode: Jenny's Substack, How to Be BraveRebecca's newsletter over at LinkedIn, Winthrop's World of EducationSharepointQUICK NOTE for non-fiction writers! Friend of the pod Christie Aschwanden is running her non-fiction book proposal workshop again for the first time since 2022. It's 8 weeks long and participants are carefully vetted (requires an application) and it's had great results in the past. All details HERE: The Book Proposal Factory. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

How can you help disengaged teenagers rediscover their passion for learning? In this episode of Top Class, Rebecca Winthrop, a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, discusses ideas from the new book she has co-authored called ‘The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better' with OECD's Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher. Whether you're a parent, teacher or simply interested in the topic, this episode outlines practical strategies and policies to make education engaging and relevant.

Purchase The Disengaged Teen at https://rebeccawinthrop.com --- In this episode of WISE On Air, we dive into a critical conversation about teen disengagement with Rebecca Winthrop, co-author of the newly released book "The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better." Rebecca, who serves as a senior fellow and director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, brings fresh insights from her groundbreaking research, which reveals a startling disconnect: while parents think 60% of kids love school, the reality is that by 12th grade, only 25% actually do. Her book, which launched with conversations featuring Gayle King and Drew Barrymore on Oprah Daily, offers a powerful framework for understanding how teens engage with learning and what we can do to help them thrive. Through extensive research involving hundreds of interviews with students, parents, and educators, Rebecca and her co-author Jenny Anderson identify four distinct modes of engagement that shape how teens approach learning. More importantly, they provide practical strategies for parents and educators to help teens develop what they call "explorer muscles" - the skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. The timing couldn't be more crucial. With rapid technological changes and evolving workplace demands, helping teens become engaged learners isn't just about academic success - it's about preparing them for a future where adaptability and self-directed learning are essential skills. To learn more about Rebecca's work and upcoming book events in New York, DC, and LA, visit rebeccawinthrop.com. Subscribe to WISE On Air on your preferred podcast app: https://pod.link/wiseonair 00:00 The Need for Explorer Skills in the Modern World 00:43 Introduction 02:05 Rebecca Winthrop's Personal Motivation and Book Overview 04:09 Defining and Understanding Student Engagement 10:13 The Four Modes of Engagement 14:46 Examples of Successful Explorer Mode Schools 23:01 Pathways to Achieving Explorer Mode 28:04 Balancing Different Modes of Engagement 30:24 Balancing Achievement and Mental Health 30:51 The Need for Explorer Skills in the Modern World 32:35 Teachers' Role in Fostering Engagement 33:33 Practical Strategies for Teachers 36:14 Professional Development for Teachers 38:42 System-Level Changes in Education 42:36 Parents' Role in Supporting Engagement 47:47 Encouraging Autonomy and Agency in Kids 53:04 Rethinking Success and College Admissions 01:00:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more information about WISE: http://www.wise-qatar.org Follow WISE on Twitter: http://twitter.com/WISE_Tweets Like WISE on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wiseqatar Follow WISE on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/wiseqatar

Cambridge, MA author with 20+ years' experience working in international development Emiliana Vegas talks about her latest release “Let's Change the World: How to Work Within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference” providing a practical & encouraging guide for everyone (regardless of age) who wants to make a positive change through their professional life in schools, communities and their environment! Emiliana is currently a professor of practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education, served as leading economist at World Bank, Division Chief of Education at Inter-American Bank, co-director of Center for Universal Education at Inter-American Bank, and co-director of Center for Universal Education at Brookings Institute, plus her book highlights her personal & professional journey and providers inside tips, best practices, targeted advice for success including how you get in, how you thrive and how to make a real difference! Check out the amazing Emiliana Vegas and her new release on all major platforms and www.emilianavegas.com today! #emilianavegas #cambridge #internationaldevelopment #author #letschangetheworld #harvardgraduateschool #worldbank #centerofuniversaleducation #brookingsinstitute #professionalcareer #communityleadership #spreaker #iheartradio #spotify #applemusic #youtube #anchorfm #bitchute #rumble #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagneremilianavegas #themikewagnershowemilianavegas    

Cambridge, MA author with 20+ years' experience working in international development Emiliana Vegas talks about her latest release “Let's Change the World: How to Work Within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference” providing a practical & encouraging guide for everyone (regardless of age) who wants to make a positive change through their professional life in schools, communities and their environment! Emiliana is currently a professor of practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education, served as leading economist at World Bank, Division Chief of Education at Inter-American Bank, co-director of Center for Universal Education at Inter-American Bank, and co-director of Center for Universal Education at Brookings Institute, plus her book highlights her personal & professional journey and providers inside tips, best practices, targeted advice for success including how you get in, how you thrive and how to make a real difference! Check out the amazing Emiliana Vegas and her new release on all major platforms and www.emilianavegas.com today! #emilianavegas #cambridge #internationaldevelopment #author #letschangetheworld #harvardgraduateschool #worldbank #centerofuniversaleducation #brookingsinstitute #professionalcareer #communityleadership #spreaker #iheartradio #spotify #applemusic #youtube #anchorfm #bitchute #rumble #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagneremilianavegas #themikewagnershowemilianavegas    

Cambridge, MA author with 20+ years' experience working in international development Emiliana Vegas talks about her latest release “Let's Change the World: How to Work Within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference” providing a practical & encouraging guide for everyone (regardless of age) who wants to make a positive change through their professional life in schools, communities and their environment! Emiliana is currently a professor of practice at Harvard Graduate School of Education, served as leading economist at World Bank, Division Chief of Education at Inter-American Bank, co-director of Center for Universal Education at Inter-American Bank, and co-director of Center for Universal Education at Brookings Institute, plus her book highlights her personal & professional journey and providers inside tips, best practices, targeted advice for success including how you get in, how you thrive and how to make a real difference! Check out the amazing Emiliana Vegas and her new release on all major platforms and www.emilianavegas.com today! #emilianavegas #cambridge #internationaldevelopment #author #letschangetheworld #harvardgraduateschool #worldbank #centerofuniversaleducation #brookingsinstitute #professionalcareer #communityleadership #spreaker #iheartradio #spotify #applemusic #youtube #anchorfm #bitchute #rumble #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagneremilianavegas #themikewagnershowemilianavegas    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-mike-wagner-show--3140147/support.

This episode is a fantastic conversation with 2 brilliant women who have been whipping up a storm this week with the release of their amazing new book The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better! Dr Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson chat with me about the disengagement crisis facing our young people and what we, as parents and educators, can do about it.Jenny Anderson is an author and an award-winning journalist who spent over a decade at The New York Times before pioneering coverage on the science of learning at Quartz. She contributes to TIME, The New York Times and The Atlantic, among other publications.Rebecca Winthrop is a leading global authority on education. She is the director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, where she conducts studies on how to better support children's learning, and is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Social Links https://www.thedisengagedteen.com/ Instagram: @jennyandersonwrites - https://www.instagram.com/jennyandersonwrites/ ; @drrebeccawinthrop - https://www.instagram.com/drrebeccawinthrop/ LinkedIn: @jennyandersonnyt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennyandersonnyt/ ; @rebecca-winthrop - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winthrop-b36b0617/

Educators at all levels have raised concerns about growing student disengagement. In this episode, Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson join us to discuss their new book, The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, which examines the causes of, and possible solutions, to this problem. Rebecca is the Director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, where she leads global studies on how to better support children's learning, and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Jenny is an award-winning journalist who spent over a decade at The New York Times before pioneering coverage on the science of learning at Quartz. She now writes a column on education in Time.  A transcript of this episode and show notes may be found at http://teaforteaching.com.

Are teenagers destined to be bored by high school, or are we missing an important piece of the puzzle? Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of THE DISENGAGED TEEN, explain what's behind the teen disengagement crisis and how parents can act. Jenny Anderson is an award-winning journalist, author, and speaker with more than 25 years of experience. Rebecca Winthrop is the director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Jenny, Rebecca, and Margaret discuss: The four different modes of learning that teens tend to engage in What academic disengagement in a teen really signals about them How parents can help their kids get more excited about learning Here's where you can find Jenny and Rebecca: www.jennywestanderson.org www.rebeccawinthrop.com @jennyandersonwrites and @drrebeccawinthrop on IG #DisengagedTeen #LearnBetterLiveBetter Buy THE DISENGAGED TEEN: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593727072 We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Future Fans: helping little kids become BIG fans: https://www.futurefans.com/ What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, parental stress, kids stress, decluttering, meal prepping, time management,

This week on Talk World Radio we are speaking with Emiliana Vegas, author of the new book Let's Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference. Emiliana Vegas has been highly recognized for her career working to inform education policy in the so-called Global South. She has been a leading economist at the World Bank, division chief of education at the Inter-American Bank, and codirector of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. She is currently a professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Emiliana Vegas, EdD, has been highly recognized for her career working to inform education policy in the so-called Global South. She has been a leading economist at the World Bank, division chief of education at the Inter-American Bank, and co-director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. She is currently a professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In this installment of Next Steps Forward, she speaks with program host Chris Meek about her book “Let's Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference,” which serves as a practical and encouraging guide for everyone, no matter their age, who wants to make a positive change through their professional life - from ensuring access to quality schools and clean water to improving healthcare and creating safer communities. Throughout her experience she will touch on topics including what exactly international development is, an explanation of the five main types of International Development Organizations, how her job as a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education factors into her international development work and her general advice for college students.

At the 51st annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Denver, Iowa Speaker Pro Tempore John Wills took a few minutes to sit down with ALEC TV to share the latest about his state's groundbreaking reforms in recent years. The conversation underscored Iowa's ambitious efforts to give families more control over their children's education and to simplify the tax code while spurring economic growth. #education #freedom #taxes Special Guest: Rep. John Wills.

What opportunities and access do international organizations create for professional changemakers and the communities and populations they serve? How can we assess the most effective pathways toward the change we seek to influence? Joining us today, is Dr. Emiliana Vegas, a professor of practice at the Harvard Graduate School of Education who has been highly recognized for her career working to inform education policy in the so-called Global South. She has been a leading economist at the World Bank, division chief of education at the Inter-American Bank, and co-director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. She is the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Let's Change the World: How to Work within International Development Organizations to Make a Difference (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers). Dr. Vegas draws on her more than 20 years of international development experience, and her passion for the power of education in Let's Change the World. Tune in live for this dynamic conversation on education, policy, and pathways to making a difference!

What if the success of our education system was measured by how well it engages students in their passions rather than standardised test scores? How might the dynamics of a classroom change if students, parents, and teachers all had an equal say in designing the curriculum? In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, Louka Parry talks with Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow and co-director at the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. They discuss the technical setup challenges before diving into the main topics. Rebecca shares insights into her dual roles as both a director and researcher, highlighting her focus on transforming education systems and engaging students. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding and addressing student disengagement, the need for system transformation versus system strengthening, and the role of power in education reform. Rebecca emphasizes the necessity of co-creating new education purposes with input from all stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators. They also explore the idea of shifting from compliance-oriented behavior management to motivation-based approaches and the impact of teacher mindsets on student engagement. Rebecca stresses that while engagement is crucial for learning outcomes, it must be supported by a system that aligns with the true purpose of education. The episode concludes with Rebecca's reflection on the transformative power of education and the potential for systemic change when all stakeholders are involved. Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, pioneer of the universal education freedom model, joins the Students Over Systems podcast as we celebrate National School Choice Week. We discuss Arizona’s reputation as the Wild West of school choice, the growth of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, and the wide array of education options in the state. […]

Today we dig into the ways in which governments in low- and middle-income countries make decisions on education. What interventions work and which should be scaled? My guest is Brad Olsen. As he shows, these questions are a lot more complex than we might think. Brad Olsen is a senior fellow with the Center for Universal Education in the Global Economy and Development program at the Brookings Institution. He has recently published the report “Government Decisionmaking on Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Understanding the Fit among innovation, scaling strategy, and broader environment.” This report is part of the Research on Scaling the Impact of Innovations in Education (ROSIE) multiyear project housed at the Center for Universal Education at Brookings and part of the Global Partnership for Education's Knowledge and Innovation Exchange. Brad's opinions expressed on today's episode are his alone, not official Brookings' policy. https://freshedpodcast.com/olsen/ -- Get in touch! Twitter: @FreshEdpodcast Facebook: FreshEd Email: info@freshedpodcast.com Support FreshEd: www.freshedpodcast.com/donate

Host Jeff Crank sits down with Aly Legge, who supports HB1, a universal ESA in Florida that allows all students in the state to apply regardless of family income. She is a mom of five and a home educator.   Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com    To learn more information about the scholarship and to apply.  https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/

In a remarkably short span of time, American children went from laboring on family farms to spending their days in classrooms. The change came from optimistic reformers like Horace Mann, who in the early 1800s dreamed of education, literacy, and science spreading throughout all levels of American society. But other supporters of universal education had darker motives. They feared the influx of Irish Catholic immigrants and thought they'd bring their papist ideas to the young republic. Only compulsory education could break these European children of their Catholic ways and transform them into obedient, patriotic Americans with a Protestant outlook in their worldview if not in their theology.This episode explores the origins of compulsory education, from the Protestant Reformation (and how it was used as a weapon in the religious arms races of sixteenth-century Europe), Prussia's role as the first nation with universal schooling, how America adopted compulsory K-12 education, and whether modern-day schools are actually based on a factory from the 1800s.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Czech educator Jan Amos Komenský (1592-1670) known throughout Europe in his lifetime under the Latin version of his name, Comenius. A Protestant and member of the Unity of Brethren, he lived much of his life in exile, expelled from his homeland under the Catholic Counter-Reformation, and he wanted to address the deep antagonisms underlying the wars that were devastating Europe especially The Thirty Years War (1618-1648). A major part of his plan was Universal Education, in which everyone could learn about everything, and better understand each other and so tolerate their religious differences and live side by side. His ideas were to have a lasting influence on education, even though the peace that followed the Thirty Years War only entrenched the changes in his homeland that made his life there impossible. The image above is from a portrait of Comenius by Jürgen Ovens, 1650 - 1670, painted while he was living in Amsterdam and held in the Rikjsmuseum With Vladimir Urbanek Senior Researcher in the Department of Comenius Studies and Early Modern Intellectual History at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences Suzanna Ivanic Lecturer in Early Modern European History at the University of Kent And Howard Hotson Professor of Early Modern Intellectual History at the University of Oxford and Fellow of St Anne's College Producer: Simon Tillotson

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Czech educator Jan Amos Komenský (1592-1670) known throughout Europe in his lifetime under the Latin version of his name, Comenius. A Protestant and member of the Unity of Brethren, he lived much of his life in exile, expelled from his homeland under the Catholic Counter-Reformation, and he wanted to address the deep antagonisms underlying the wars that were devastating Europe especially The Thirty Years War (1618-1648). A major part of his plan was Universal Education, in which everyone could learn about everything, and better understand each other and so tolerate their religious differences and live side by side. His ideas were to have a lasting influence on education, even though the peace that followed the Thirty Years War only entrenched the changes in his homeland that made his life there impossible. The image above is from a portrait of Comenius by Jürgen Ovens, 1650 - 1670, painted while he was living in Amsterdam and held in the Rikjsmuseum With Vladimir Urbanek Senior Researcher in the Department of Comenius Studies and Early Modern Intellectual History at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences Suzanna Ivanic Lecturer in Early Modern European History at the University of Kent And Howard Hotson Professor of Early Modern Intellectual History at the University of Oxford and Fellow of St Anne's College Producer: Simon Tillotson