S E4: The Learning Game: Inspiring Critical Thinking in Kids – with Ana Lorena Fábrega

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. 

For this episode, Ana Lorena Fábrega 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. 

Listen now to hear:

• The concept of “vuja de” – encountering something familiar, but seeing it with fresh eyes [05:20]; 

• The value of encouraging kids to develop an attitude of skepticism [06:30];

• How we can help kids develop a big-picture view that reveals patterns and relationships between things [09:19];

• Why it’s important for kids to ask why [13:17]; and

• The power of asking children unconventional questions [15:12].

Don’t miss Today’s Takeaways! 

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

Links and Resources 

• Check out Ana Lorena Fábrega’s website and sign up for her newsletter. 
• When you’re done, take a look at her YouTube channel and blog, and follow her on Instagram.
• Ana also has a new book available, The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning
• Find more helpful resources on the Future of Education YouTube channel. Don’t forget to like and subscribe! 
• Learn more about 2hr Learning, an AI-powered program that helps schools provide personalized, mastery learning in as little as two hours per day. 
• Explore Alpha, a unique school that uses adaptive software and motivational strategies to help students to learn in the style that works best for them.
• Learn more about GT School, an online program that helps gifted and talented kids supercharge their academics.

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About Ana Lorena Fábrega 

Ana Lorena Fábrega 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

Podcast Credits

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