RENEWING THE LOVE OF LEARNING by Sonja Montiel

Dr. Rebecca Winthrop grew up in rural Oregon, where debates about environmental conservation and social justice were common. She discovered her calling for advocacy at an early age, where her involvement in environmental activism and social justice became the foundation for her future endeavors. As a young student, Dr. Winthrop’s parents created a home where curiosity and independence were nurtured. When she faced challenges throughout her young life, she already developed skills to be able to identify the learning lessons within the discomfort.

One defining moment for Dr. Winthrop was during an internship for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Costa Rica. She was working on a long-term project to develop a legal framework for women’s rights. The work was tedious and complicated, but she felt that the patience would be worth it towards making a sustainable difference. But, after spending time listening to input from refugee women she realized how important education was. The women appreciated the legal reform efforts but asked instead to be taught to read, so they could go the doctor alone and be able to navigate the world. With humility and discernment, this experience ignited her understanding and commitment for education, which led her to becoming the Director of the Center for Universal Education and Senior Fellow of Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institute. She also coauthored a book.

"The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better" coauthored by Dr. Winthrop and Jenny Anderson explores the challenges of student disengagement in today’s world and offers strategies to rekindle their love for learning. The book highlights the importance of understanding the root causes of disengagement, such as lack of relevance in the curriculum and insufficient support systems, and emphasizes the need for personalized learning approaches and fostering a sense of belonging in students.

One of the key findings from the authors’ research is that students engage in learning through four different modes: Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer. These modes are dynamic and can change depending on the context. No student stays within one mode throughout their learning experiences, which creates opportunities for parents and educators to recognize symptoms of disengagement and apply strategies to help them return to more meaningful learning experiences. 

For example, Dr. Winthrop explains that while Achiever mode is often seen as the pinnacle of engagement, it can lead to fragile learners who struggle with resilience. "We saw achievers avoid taking intellectual risks not because they weren’t interested but instead, they perceived a likelihood of failure for taking the risk,” she noted. Achievers who strived for perfection frequently struggled the most with mental health problems. Instead of parents and educators accepting the outcomes as they are, they are able to detect symptoms early on and apply approaches that would work best for their young learners.

Through stories, the book suggests practical strategies for educators and parents to help students move towards Explorer mode, where curiosity meets drive, and students become unstoppable learners…for life. No matter where the student is in their learning journey, these strategies can re-engage students and transform their educational experiences, meeting them where they are at.

Dr. Winthrop envisions an education system that prioritizes student engagement and holistic development. She advocates for policies that support the diverse needs of students. "Kids who are not deeply motivated and engaged in their learning will struggle to lead and thrive in a world of AI," she warns. Dr. Winthrop urges parents and educators to take proactive steps in their own communities to create engaging and supportive learning environments. She hopes her book and the accompanying toolkit will provide adults with the tools and understanding they need to support their children's learning journey. ∎

About Dr. Rebecca Winthrop
Rebecca Winthrop is a globally recognized education expert and the director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, where she leads efforts to transform education systems so all children can thrive. An adjunct professor at Georgetown University, she advises organizations from the UN and the White House to school districts and Fortune 500 companies, championing inclusive, high-quality learning through evidence-based strategies. She founded the Global Family Engagement in Education Network, leads the Brookings Global Task Force on AI and Education, and serves on multiple influential boards and advisory committees worldwide. A prolific author, her recent works address student disengagement, civic education, and systemic transformation. Her research has been widely featured across major global media platforms.