Ep. 104 Learning From Rebecca Block - Connect first, then teach

This week's episode of Lifelong Learner podcast we are joined by special guest Rebecca Block. Rebecca is an author and teen advocate and expert, educator, amongst a whole array of other things. She delves into her experiences and insights working with young people in education. Rebecca, who has played a significant role in the field as the AVP of Innovation and Improvement at SpringBoard, discusses her transition into new opportunities and her passion for bridging the gap between schools and families through initiatives like FAIR Education. She shares her journey from an undergraduate degree in humanities to her work in education, driven by a love for helping others learn and grow. Rebecca reflects on her path, from tutoring to pursuing a PhD, to ultimately focusing on how to make education more meaningful and engaging for students. Rebecca emphasizes that the key to motivating and engaging students isn't mysterious—it aligns with what motivates adults: meaningful connections, relevant learning, and the ability to make choices. She highlights that the current education system often fails to provide these elements, leading to student disengagement or extreme overachievement. The conversation touches on the broader issues within the education system, including the lack of connection between teachers and students, the focus on standardized testing, and the outdated methods of teaching that don't equip students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Rebecca's insights underscore the need for a shift in how education is approached, advocating for more engagement, relevance, and connection in learning to truly inspire students. To connect with Rebecca, head to: ⁠www.beccablock.com⁠ ⁠www.canyouhelpmegivea.com⁠ LinkedIn - ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-block/⁠ Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/canyouhelpmegivea⁠ This episode is brought to you by Make It Happen Group performance coaching - ⁠makeithappengroup.org⁠ For more updates and to subscribe head to -⁠lifelonglearnerpodcast.com⁠ Facebook - ⁠www.facebook.com/lifelonglearnernow⁠ Instagram -⁠ www.instagram.com/lifelonglearner.podcast⁠ If you want to say hello, tell us a joke, or ask us a question, send an email to [email protected]