How Children Actually Learn (And Why School Gets It Wrong!)

🎙️ How Children Actually Learn (And Why School Gets It Wrong)We talk a lot about “learning”…but what if we’ve misunderstood it completely?In this episode of RECAP The Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Will Zoppellini - educator, researcher, and founder of Coffee & Theory - to explore how children actually learn, and why the systems around them don’t always reflect that.From deep learning and learner agency to the limitations of standardised testing, this is a thought-provoking conversation that challenges some of the most accepted ideas in education.💡 In this episode, we discuss:Why children’s learning is non-linear, complex, and deeply influenced by emotion and identityThe problem with focusing on outcomes and standardised testingWhat deep learning really means and why it goes beyond memorisationWhy learner agency may be one of the biggest (and most overlooked) issues in educationHow current systems can unintentionally limit curiosity and confidenceThe importance of giving children space to explore, think, and even failWhy copying education systems from other countries doesn’t always work❤️ Why this mattersHow children experience learning shapes how they see themselves - their confidence, their curiosity, and their belief in what they’re capable of.But when learning becomes about outcomes, labels, and ticking boxes, we risk losing something far more important: a genuine love of learning.This conversation invites us to rethink what learning really is and how we can better support children to develop the skills they’ll actually need for the future.🎧 Listen now - available on:SpotifyApple PodcastsAll major platforms👉 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode🔗 Connect & followFollow RECAP for evidence-informed, accessible content for families and professionals:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recap.ltd/Website: https://www.recapinfo.co.uk/Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/recapinfo/newsletter-landing-page?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLKjpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFnVjc0UXhqZ3k3ZW93ZHFLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnySw4NxuZ6Zx557mjJ-crfiCKhoLmykbWyxcAlwJGGJnklGT2BA0yXpefWk_aem_NGv834rxesL31J-gzSY8XQ Follow Will:Will works with schools, educational organisations, and community groups through research, professional development, workshops, and collaborative projects. To find out more or get in touch, visit his website: http://coffeeandtheory.com/blog 💬 Join the conversationWhat does learning mean to you?👉 Do you think schools focus too much on outcomes?👉 How can we better support children to think, explore, and make decisions?Share your thoughts in the comments - we’d love to hear from you.🔍 Keywords:how children learn, deep learning, learner agency, education system, standardised testing, child development, education podcast UK, parenting podcast, critical thinking, learning through play, education reform, student motivation, growth mindset🔖 Hashtags:#HowChildrenLearn #EducationPodcast #ChildDevelopment #LearnerAgency #DeepLearning #EducationMatters #ParentingPodcast #CriticalThinking #EducationReform #RECAPThePodcastSeries 6 Ep 2