Motivating Adolescents: Respect, Status, and the Power of Mentoring with Ron Berger

More Than a Test

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Ron Berger, joining host Laura Glaab. Ron Berger is a highly respected figure in education, known for his work in student-centered learning and character development. With a wealth of experience, he has served as a teacher, written books on improving teaching and learning, and played a pivotal role in the success of Yale Education (formerly Expeditionary Learning).

In this conversation, Glaab and Berger delve into the importance of motivation and respect in working with adolescents. They explore the idea that tough love and coddling are not effective approaches, but rather, mentoring with respect and providing opportunities for students' status and respect can lead to remarkable results. Ron Berger also shares insights on exciting projects, such as the national conference where students become keynote speakers and the renowned "Austin's Butterfly" video that showcases the power of peer critique.

The discussion expands to the future of education, with Berger expressing hope and concern. He believes in the unlimited potential of children but is critical of the focus on accountability and testing.

Along the way, Berger shares personal moments that have shaped his understanding of education, the value of student work, and the significance of challenging assumptions. He highlights the interconnectedness of academic learning and character development and sheds light on the power of integrating social-emotional learning into all aspects of education.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights and practical strategies for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about education. Join us as we dive deep into the world of motivation, student-centered learning, and the power of believing in the potential of every child. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with Ron Berger on "More Than a Test"!

Timestamps

01:08 COVID set everyone back, disproportionately affecting students.

07:21 Students have to grapple to grow their brains and change their self-image.

12:00 Character education & social-emotional learning's impact.

14:24 Incorporate character skills for improved academic performance.

19:16 Conversation around giving feedback, student’s self-esteem, and potential vs deficit driven.

20:03 School leaders should know every student's strengths and weaknesses.

26:06 Berger discusses teaching in a small rural town where almost everyone was his former student.

30:09 Teachers must lead by documenting student work.

33:48 Showing student growth and documenting achievements.

35:32 Berger discusses fortunate Harvard experience, teaching, writing books, consulting.

39:52 Investing in kids' potential, not just accountability.

41:43 Invest in quality materials, practices, and culture.

49:52 Friend writing book on motivating adolescents. Respect and status are key.

52:49 Importance of taking medication, parental influence, fear-based approach.

Connect with Ron Berger

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-berger-69271312/

Website: https://eleducation.org/

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About More Than a Test

Our goal is to take a hard look at the shortcomings in literacy education and tech while still finding a sense of hope in what's possible in education through learning and technology.

Our guests include non-profit leaders, tech CEOs, state and district leadership, research leaders from top institutions, and a few teachers with stories that might bring you to tears.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JWhVG2nXZfC3FxOviFoR0

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/more-than-a-test/id1685012543

Listen on Other Platforms: https://more-than-a-test.captivate.fm/

About Amira Learning

Amira is the world’s first intelligent reading assistant that provides personalized tutoring to students at school, after school, or home. Students working with Amira experience significant improvements in their reading fluency.

About your Host, Laura Glaab

Laura Glaab is a VP of Strategy at Amira Learning. She is a lifetime educator following behind educator parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

She's worked as a teacher and leader in public, private, and charter schools in places as far as India and as close to home as Boulder, Colorado. She holds degrees from Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and Kellogg School of Management.

Everyone should read Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw and the entire Piggie and Elephant Collection by Mo Willems.

Connect with Laura

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-glaab/

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Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD