159: When You Wonder, You're Learning

Summary

Ryan Rydzewski, co-author of the book 'When You Wonder, You're Learning,' discusses the enduring lessons of Mr. Rogers and their relevance in education today. He emphasizes the importance of relationships in the classroom and the need for teachers to bring their passions into their teaching. Ryan also highlights the impact of Mr. Rogers' methods on student learning and the need for changes in teacher training. He shares examples of schools prioritizing curiosity and relationship-building and discusses the challenges of implementing innovative approaches in education. The conversation explores the importance of creating a positive classroom environment, teaching subjects students don't enjoy, the impact of teacher enthusiasm, building relationships with students, the power of deep listening, finding strength in moments of struggle, teachers as lifelong learners, and spreading Fred Rogers' teaching methods.

Takeaways

• The importance of building relationships with students in the classroom

• The value of bringing personal passions into teaching

• The enduring relevance of Mr. Rogers' methods in education

• The need for changes in teacher training to prioritize relationships and curiosity Creating a positive classroom environment is crucial for student engagement and enjoyment of school.

• Teachers should find ways to make subjects that students don't enjoy more meaningful and relevant.

• Enthusiastic teachers have a positive impact on student performance and enjoyment of learning.

• Building relationships with students by showing genuine interest in their lives can create a stronger connection and enhance the learning experience.

• Deep listening, without judgment, is a powerful tool for effective communication and understanding.

• In moments of struggle, teachers can find strength by focusing on the impact they have on students' lives.

• Teachers should embrace a lifelong learning mindset and constantly seek new teaching strategies and methods.

• Spreading Fred Rogers' teaching methods can have a transformative impact on classrooms and students.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:49 Catalyst for Writing the Book

05:02 Mr. Rogers' Impact on Pittsburgh

09:17 The Importance of Relationships in Education

11:15 The Role of Teachers in Fostering Curiosity

14:25 Bringing Personal Passions into the Classroom

16:36 The Impact of Relationships on Student Learning

19:56 The Importance of Inviting Students into Teachers' Lives

22:20 The Continuing Relevance of Mr. Rogers' Concepts

23:04 The Alignment of Mr. Rogers' Methods with Learning Sciences

25:26 The Need for Changes in Teacher Training

29:13 Balancing Relationships and Curriculum

31:31 The Challenge of Implementing Innovative Approaches

37:29 The Fear of Permission and Control in Education

41:09 Shifting Perspectives on Education and Standardized Testing

47:05 The Importance of a Positive Classroom Environment

48:02 Teaching Subjects Students Don't Enjoy

49:01 The Impact of Teacher Enthusiasm

50:46 Building Relationships with Students

52:27 The Power of Deep Listening

55:21 Finding Strength in Moments of Struggle

58:39 Teachers as Lifelong Learners

01:02:08 Spreading Fred Rogers' Teaching Methods

Website: whenyouwonder.org

Twitter: @ryanrydzewski @greggbehr @when_you_wonder

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