The Learning Game: Inspiring Critical Thinking in Kids with Ana Lorena Fabrega

Published: Sept. 1, 2023, 7:41 p.m.

Kids are naturally inquisitive and ready to see everything with fresh eyes. But many traditional school settings sideline their innate curiosity in favor of teaching them how to follow norms and seek social approval. For most students, this stifles the innovative spirit and critical thinking we long for them to develop.\xa0

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For this episode, Ana Lorena F\xe1brega joins me to talk about the challenges of conventional schooling. She has fresh ideas about alternative educational pathways and possibilities for a world where AI and other technologies help our children maintain fresh perspectives and a true love for learning.\xa0

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Listen now to hear:

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  • The concept of \u201cvuja de\u201d \u2013 encountering something familiar, but seeing it with fresh eyes [05:20];\xa0
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  • The value of encouraging kids to develop an attitude of skepticism [06:30];
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  • How we can help kids develop a big-picture view that reveals patterns and relationships between things [09:19];
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  • Why it\u2019s important for kids to ask why [13:17]; and
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  • The power of asking children unconventional questions [15:12].
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\nDon\u2019t miss Today\u2019s Takeaways!\xa0

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Listen all the way to the end of the episode for three tips on how to inspire your children\u2019s fresh thinking and love of learning.\xa0

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Links and Resources\xa0

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About Ana Lorena F\xe1brega\xa0

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Ana Lorena F\xe1brega is an edupreneur, writer, and chief evangelist at Synthesis. Growing up, she attended ten schools in seven different countries. She then earned her BS in Childhood Education and Special Education from New York University and taught elementary school in New York, Boston, and Panama. Today, Ana Lorena writes online to over 200,000 readers about the promise of alternative education. Her first book, The Learning Game: Teaching Kids How To Think For Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning comes out September 5, 2023. You can follow her on Twitter at @anafabrega11

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Podcast Credits

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  • Executive Producer and Host: MacKenzie Price
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  • Executive Producer: Lindsay Grubb,TillCo Media\xa0
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  • Senior Producer: Amanda Avery
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  • Senior Editor: Alisa Jenkins, Springboard Marketing
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  • Video Production/Editing: Kevin Smith, Picturebox Productions
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  • Music Producer: Dyami Wilson\xa0
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