On this episode of Trending in Ed, Mike Palmer is joined by Howard Blumenthal and Dr. Bob Pianta, co-authors of the new book, Kids on Earth: The Learning Potential of 5 Billion Minds. We discuss the research and ideas behind their book, which explores how learning takes place for kids in real life and how that can be better translated into schools. We also delve into the distinction between “old school,” “not school,” and “new school” models of education.
Key Takeaways
- Reinventing Education: We need to recognize that the traditional “old school” model, which relies on an industrial approach and is often disconnected from students’ interests, is not working well. The vast majority of our lives’ learning takes place in the unstructured “not school” environment, which includes things like the internet, play, and music. The “new school” model seeks to bridge these two ideas by freeing up teachers and resources to allow students to pursue their interests, which increases motivation and engagement.
- Three Elements of “New School”: The new school model is built on three key elements: personal, relational, and active learning. Learning is personal when it is relevant and meaningful to the individual. It is relational because it involves a connection with others, like teachers and peers. Finally, learning is active when kids are deeply and authentically engaged.
- The Role of AI: We discuss how artificial intelligence will impact education by absorbing tasks that have little to do with teaching and learning, thereby freeing up teachers’ time. For students, AI can personalize education in a way that traditional schooling cannot. We argue that instead of banning technology like phones in schools, adults should focus on creating safe learning environments and using these tools effectively.
Why You Should Listen
- This episode offers a hopeful perspective on the future of education, providing a roadmap for thinking about how we can reinvent our schools to better serve the next generation of learners.
- We provide a framework for understanding and discussing the challenges in education today, including the disconnect between traditional teaching methods and how kids actually learn.
- We offer insights into how to involve kids in conversations about what matters to them, which is a crucial step in creating a more relevant and engaging learning experience.
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Timestamp:
- 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
- 00:45 Bob Pianta’s Career Journey
- 01:58 Howard Blumenthal’s Media Career and Global Education
- 03:19 The Genesis of ‘Kids on Earth
- ’08:00 Old School, New School, and Not School Framework
- 20:05 The Role of AI in Education
- 27:23 Global Perspectives and Future of Education
- 27:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Episode References
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Blumenthal, H., & Pianta, R. C. (2025). Kids on Earth: The Learning Potential of 5 Billion Minds. Harvard Education Press.
Palmer Media 2025-09-26 09:00:00
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