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The Learning Game: Teaching Kids to Think for Themselves, Embrace Challenge, and Love Learning
How did we conclude that the best way to prepare kids for the future is to cluster them into classrooms by age and grade, forcing them to learn the same things, at the same time and pace, seven hours a day, five days a week, for twelve years?
We trust the school system to prepare our kids for the future. We get excited when they get good grades, or disappointed if they don’t. But we rarely stop to question whether school is teaching our children the right things in the right way.
Kids could get good at playing the game of school, but are they really learning?
Teacher-turned-edupreneur Ana Lorena Fábrega, known by her students as Ms. Fab, invites us to rethink education.
In The Learning Game , she reveals how traditional schooling has gone wrong, and proposes a series of actionable strategies to help kids learn.
What if we guide kids to think for themselves?
Should we encourage kids to take risks and tackle projects of their own?
How do we help kids learn to love learning?
Answering these questions and many more, The Learning Game will arm you with practical tools to design a new approach to learning—one that leaves behind the game of school and prepares your kids for the game of life.
We trust the school system to prepare our kids for the future. We get excited when they get good grades, or disappointed if they don’t. But we rarely stop to question whether school is teaching our children the right things in the right way.
Kids could get good at playing the game of school, but are they really learning?
Teacher-turned-edupreneur Ana Lorena Fábrega, known by her students as Ms. Fab, invites us to rethink education.
In The Learning Game , she reveals how traditional schooling has gone wrong, and proposes a series of actionable strategies to help kids learn.
What if we guide kids to think for themselves?
Should we encourage kids to take risks and tackle projects of their own?
How do we help kids learn to love learning?
Answering these questions and many more, The Learning Game will arm you with practical tools to design a new approach to learning—one that leaves behind the game of school and prepares your kids for the game of life.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2023
110 people are currently reading
1149 people want to read
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October 7, 2023
A shallow criticism of the American school system, with some scattered and superficial suggestions on how to rectify it.
Author Ana Lorena Fabrega correctly points out that the school system as it stands today isn't preparing children for life in modern society. The criticisms are well-founded, and I think we can all agree that the teachings are inadequate, and need improvement. The book spends a lot of time pointing out these problems, to the point of going overboard. For the most part, John Taylor Gatto's testimony is enough, if not our own experiences. Parents and children who grew up to realize the holes in the system will agree. Yes, we know kids are capable human beings. Yes, we know they need motivation to learn. Yes, we know they find some aspects of class boring. Yes, we know some kids need more stimulation than others. This is preaching to the choir. We need to hear some innovative solutions, not more finger-pointing.
Ana Lorena Fabrega spends too much time preaching to the choir, and not enough time delving deep into solutions that work. The pages not spent in criticism cover a wide variety of subjects, little of which is concrete enough to be applicable to individual children, or deep enough to prove convincing or scientific to move management.
Just some of the issues I had with the text:
1.) No nuance, massive generalizations -- Kids need this, kids need that. Okay, it's easy for us to nod our heads in agreement. Talk is cheap! Even in the solutions proposed, like virtue journaling, online games (way too much plugging of Synthesis), and open-ended projects, the discussion doesn't treat them with enough depth. She never interviews kids themselves, very few educators, and very few parents outside investors and entrepreneurs from industry, so we have no metric on how this kind of stimulation might measurably work. Completely free play with no goal or grade can actually be de-stimulating. My friends and I studied harder because we wanted to learn the information, then show it on the test, to score higher than our classmates. Metrics can be motivating. Competition can be good (for some). Multi-age classrooms can also be intimidating for the younger kids when they experience bullying. It all depends on the child; nuances like how to handle the less-obvious surface-level cases are missing from this book. Assuming that all kids get motivated by the same things is no better than schoolteachers believing all kids need the same lecture. Sure, the current school system gets things wrong, but that doesn't give Ana Lorena Fabrega the right to dictate what's Lindy herself for all kids. Prescribing open-ended projects with no rules actually makes many kids feel lost and unmotivated, because there is no clear goal.
Surface-level statements like "kids should develop curiosity" or "we should encourage failure not as something bad, but as a pathway to learning", "we should teach kids to teach themselves, make their own choices, and architect their own lives" sound good in theory, but we need to drill deeper. Curious children don't necessarily grow into productive, fulfilled adults. Spending their free time playing video games won't make them better teammates on a work project. Failing as a child doesn't translate into resiliency as an adult. Concrete, early absorption of things like social skills, teamwork, language, or activities like cooking, team sports, making something like knit socks, learning the tax system, delving deep into chess training -- would translate directly. Not resetting and restarting Mario because your hand couldn't properly time a jump. Her ideas are good starters, but they require more nuance in development, from Ana and her contemporaries.
2.) Persian history. What!? She spends entire pages discussing how the current school system came to be, giving us a history lesson in how things went "wrong." In the context of such a future-facing, hopeful manuscript, I don't care about the past. Let's not waste readers' time harping ancient history, just like we shouldn't be wasting children's time memorizing U.S. capital cities and dates of wars. This history is as useless to readers as ancient history is useless to kids. Practice what you preach! Later parts of this book cite Socrates and ancient Greek methods for teaching kids, including classrooms spanning multiple age groups, and the Socratic method of questioning, which are better examples of applying history to a task.
3.) Regurgitating investors and entrepreneurs, few educators. It's amazingly ironic how author Ana Lorena Fabrega encourages original thinking, constantly writing about the importance of giving kids the opportunity to think and choose for themselves, when she doesn't present much original thinking for herself. The few scientific studies and academic theses are lost in a deluge of quotes from investors and entrepreneurs, like Nassim Taleb (Black Swan & Antifragile & Skin in the Game), Seth Godin, or James Clear (Atomic Habits). These people aren't necessarily wrong or misguided, but they shouldn't be the primary source of insight into kids' behavior when discussing how to improve the education system. We need to hear more from actual educators like herself -- give us some original ideas, Ana! -- or John Taylor Gatto, who gave such powerful first-hand testimony in the first chapter and then disappeared for the rest of the book, never to be heard from (or cited) again. Educators and Ph.D students who spend their lives observing, studying, measuring, and experimenting deserve more mention and table space in the text, and I get the feeling from reading the book that despite reading a lot of books, the author didn't actually interview or engage other educators firsthand directly in conversation, to delve deeper into some of the ideas like the antifragile mindset, Lindy, or gaming. Firsthand experience and observation needs to be the heart and basis of any proposals for reform, not snappy feel-good catchy quotes from distant business books on the New York Times bestseller list.
Even when she turns to scientific first principles, the treatment is superficial and forced at best, in an attempt to connect us to some universal truth. Referencing Newton's first law of physics (objects in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by another force), she writes, "If I watch four hours of Netflix every day, I will probably continue to watch four hours of Netflix a day, unless I find a reason to do something more productive." I struggled to find these offhand connections relevant to the topic at hand.
4.) Despite the abundance of quotes from pop science -- Tobi Lutke built Shopify because he played Starcraft as a child! -- or business/VCs and investment banking, the rest of the citations and references came off as weak and shallow. I would have appreciated more academic papers and personal interviews with educators, professors, teachers, tutors, grad students in education, parents, and scientists. I do not need recommendations for reading former FBI Chris Voss on how to negotiate with hostage takers, who are actual criminals and not children we hope to negotiate into a better future. (I've read Voss' book, and it's not even applicable to real-world business negotiation, when you need both parties to benefit because you have to continue working together in the future.) Furthermore, nearly half of the citations in the back of book refer to "Ibid." which is never listed fully in title, year, or name. Who is Ibid? Where are those notes? The endnotes don't list all the titles, don't distinguish between real papers and tabloid journalism (pop science from a magazine), and don't even contain chapter titles. She references too many podcasts, business books, news articles, and Ibid. Not enough scientific study or backing. The bibliography is incomplete at best.
5.) Superficial treatment of games from an outsider. She plugs her company Synthesis too many times, not even to mention the CEO writing her foreword and afterword. But even considering the program's benefits for children, the book treats gaming way too superficially. Like books, games come in many genres, from puzzle games to story-based role-playing games, creation games like Minecraft, to sports and competitive strategy games, and violent first-person shooters. Putting them all under the same umbrella as "true games" that "engage and excite us even when we fail" comes off as hopelessly shallow and just as bad as deeming all books of all genres as educational. (Which she also writes: "Let them skim through books, and dive deep into what interests them: poems, comic books, nonfiction, magazines, cookbooks...") Too much overgeneralization, too little nuance and research.
As a game developer and lifelong player, I actually look back on childhood games as a complete and total waste of time, that continues to haunt us to this day when we feel the nostalgic twinge and marketing appeal of an old franchise. Every day brings fresh reminders about how better I could have spent that childhood time, in learning something or collaborating with peers for a science fair competition, spelling bee, or sporting event. Video games that yield no real life benefit are not a source of motivation parents should be recommended. Certain usages and rewards may carry over, but Ana treats them at such a superficial level - "stick with a task" , "In Super Mario, what matters is getting to the finish line and beating the game," "Video games are like conversations,"-- that they feel forced and don't connect concretely to benefits that kids are tapping in real life. Yes, I beat Super Mario a number of times as a child. No, I didn't learn anything from that experience that carries over into my adult life. In fact, I regret ever playing it because now I get marketed -- sometimes successfully -- to buy and play the latest Nintendo game, or even work for Nintendo. These generic concepts of failing and trying again are not unique to gaming and should not be presented as a way that games are better pastimes than, say, reading, writing, exercise, role play, or sports.
"Games like Starcraft taught [Tobi Lutke] how to develop strategies, manage resources, and invest for the long term. These lessons directly transferred to his role as CEO." Such a misnomer and overgeneralization. CEOs don't learn managing their profit/loss, budgeting, and payroll from Starcraft. This kind of analogy may sound good pop-culturally or pop-scientifically, but it holds no truth. It is a forced storytelling attempt to find reason for a person's business success, a marketing ploy for games, and comes from people who haven't played games at a competitive or deep enough level to question those weak connections and assumptions. Maybe Ana should walk into a South Korean gaming cafe or interview some gaming YouTubers, Twitch streamers, or game studio artists & programmers before determining whether or not inspiring kids with games is a good idea. Sometimes, you don't realize how much harm you do until the kid is out-of-sight, out-of-mind, and all grown up and wondering where all those hours of gaming led her, what kinds of jobs and work cultures they entail. This kind of study requires the perspective of children who have grown up one way vs another. In short, recommending video games because kids want to play them and seem to enjoy the challenge is pitifully shallow and not something I'd wish on any family, especially as that child starts seeking game development jobs.
Readers of this book don't need game recommendations, they need program recommendations. While she does offer some -- like Primer, Forest School, and Prenda -- in the back of the book, they're listed more like URL-dropping or famous name-dropping, without the proper explanation of their specific benefits and case studies.
Overall, the publisher packaged the content in a presentable, colorful, easily digestible, well-illustrated, grammatically sound package, but no amount of design effort can polish a dud into a shiny new toy. Ana Lorena Fabrega has clearly read a lot of research, and experienced a lot of firsthand teaching with kids, but lacks both the depth of scientific study, and the necessary nuance of watching kids grow not only in school, but in the household and after-school, to full adults that have to justify the time they spent as kids in one approach vs another. You can't snapshot a kid (or kids) you taught in class and extrapolate what motivated him or her to all kids from all backgrounds and what's good for them. You have to follow them through time; talk to more educators, parse the results of their papers, experiments and case studies; gather more data and evidence; and present it with more purpose, polish, and depth. At the very least, give us some programs that verifiably work for children that have grown up through them, like Tools of the Mind, or Linda Caldwell's TimeWise.
Our kids deserve a more in-depth, less-superficial survey of the options available, because each child gets only one shot.
Author Ana Lorena Fabrega correctly points out that the school system as it stands today isn't preparing children for life in modern society. The criticisms are well-founded, and I think we can all agree that the teachings are inadequate, and need improvement. The book spends a lot of time pointing out these problems, to the point of going overboard. For the most part, John Taylor Gatto's testimony is enough, if not our own experiences. Parents and children who grew up to realize the holes in the system will agree. Yes, we know kids are capable human beings. Yes, we know they need motivation to learn. Yes, we know they find some aspects of class boring. Yes, we know some kids need more stimulation than others. This is preaching to the choir. We need to hear some innovative solutions, not more finger-pointing.
Ana Lorena Fabrega spends too much time preaching to the choir, and not enough time delving deep into solutions that work. The pages not spent in criticism cover a wide variety of subjects, little of which is concrete enough to be applicable to individual children, or deep enough to prove convincing or scientific to move management.
Just some of the issues I had with the text:
1.) No nuance, massive generalizations -- Kids need this, kids need that. Okay, it's easy for us to nod our heads in agreement. Talk is cheap! Even in the solutions proposed, like virtue journaling, online games (way too much plugging of Synthesis), and open-ended projects, the discussion doesn't treat them with enough depth. She never interviews kids themselves, very few educators, and very few parents outside investors and entrepreneurs from industry, so we have no metric on how this kind of stimulation might measurably work. Completely free play with no goal or grade can actually be de-stimulating. My friends and I studied harder because we wanted to learn the information, then show it on the test, to score higher than our classmates. Metrics can be motivating. Competition can be good (for some). Multi-age classrooms can also be intimidating for the younger kids when they experience bullying. It all depends on the child; nuances like how to handle the less-obvious surface-level cases are missing from this book. Assuming that all kids get motivated by the same things is no better than schoolteachers believing all kids need the same lecture. Sure, the current school system gets things wrong, but that doesn't give Ana Lorena Fabrega the right to dictate what's Lindy herself for all kids. Prescribing open-ended projects with no rules actually makes many kids feel lost and unmotivated, because there is no clear goal.
Surface-level statements like "kids should develop curiosity" or "we should encourage failure not as something bad, but as a pathway to learning", "we should teach kids to teach themselves, make their own choices, and architect their own lives" sound good in theory, but we need to drill deeper. Curious children don't necessarily grow into productive, fulfilled adults. Spending their free time playing video games won't make them better teammates on a work project. Failing as a child doesn't translate into resiliency as an adult. Concrete, early absorption of things like social skills, teamwork, language, or activities like cooking, team sports, making something like knit socks, learning the tax system, delving deep into chess training -- would translate directly. Not resetting and restarting Mario because your hand couldn't properly time a jump. Her ideas are good starters, but they require more nuance in development, from Ana and her contemporaries.
2.) Persian history. What!? She spends entire pages discussing how the current school system came to be, giving us a history lesson in how things went "wrong." In the context of such a future-facing, hopeful manuscript, I don't care about the past. Let's not waste readers' time harping ancient history, just like we shouldn't be wasting children's time memorizing U.S. capital cities and dates of wars. This history is as useless to readers as ancient history is useless to kids. Practice what you preach! Later parts of this book cite Socrates and ancient Greek methods for teaching kids, including classrooms spanning multiple age groups, and the Socratic method of questioning, which are better examples of applying history to a task.
3.) Regurgitating investors and entrepreneurs, few educators. It's amazingly ironic how author Ana Lorena Fabrega encourages original thinking, constantly writing about the importance of giving kids the opportunity to think and choose for themselves, when she doesn't present much original thinking for herself. The few scientific studies and academic theses are lost in a deluge of quotes from investors and entrepreneurs, like Nassim Taleb (Black Swan & Antifragile & Skin in the Game), Seth Godin, or James Clear (Atomic Habits). These people aren't necessarily wrong or misguided, but they shouldn't be the primary source of insight into kids' behavior when discussing how to improve the education system. We need to hear more from actual educators like herself -- give us some original ideas, Ana! -- or John Taylor Gatto, who gave such powerful first-hand testimony in the first chapter and then disappeared for the rest of the book, never to be heard from (or cited) again. Educators and Ph.D students who spend their lives observing, studying, measuring, and experimenting deserve more mention and table space in the text, and I get the feeling from reading the book that despite reading a lot of books, the author didn't actually interview or engage other educators firsthand directly in conversation, to delve deeper into some of the ideas like the antifragile mindset, Lindy, or gaming. Firsthand experience and observation needs to be the heart and basis of any proposals for reform, not snappy feel-good catchy quotes from distant business books on the New York Times bestseller list.
Even when she turns to scientific first principles, the treatment is superficial and forced at best, in an attempt to connect us to some universal truth. Referencing Newton's first law of physics (objects in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by another force), she writes, "If I watch four hours of Netflix every day, I will probably continue to watch four hours of Netflix a day, unless I find a reason to do something more productive." I struggled to find these offhand connections relevant to the topic at hand.
4.) Despite the abundance of quotes from pop science -- Tobi Lutke built Shopify because he played Starcraft as a child! -- or business/VCs and investment banking, the rest of the citations and references came off as weak and shallow. I would have appreciated more academic papers and personal interviews with educators, professors, teachers, tutors, grad students in education, parents, and scientists. I do not need recommendations for reading former FBI Chris Voss on how to negotiate with hostage takers, who are actual criminals and not children we hope to negotiate into a better future. (I've read Voss' book, and it's not even applicable to real-world business negotiation, when you need both parties to benefit because you have to continue working together in the future.) Furthermore, nearly half of the citations in the back of book refer to "Ibid." which is never listed fully in title, year, or name. Who is Ibid? Where are those notes? The endnotes don't list all the titles, don't distinguish between real papers and tabloid journalism (pop science from a magazine), and don't even contain chapter titles. She references too many podcasts, business books, news articles, and Ibid. Not enough scientific study or backing. The bibliography is incomplete at best.
5.) Superficial treatment of games from an outsider. She plugs her company Synthesis too many times, not even to mention the CEO writing her foreword and afterword. But even considering the program's benefits for children, the book treats gaming way too superficially. Like books, games come in many genres, from puzzle games to story-based role-playing games, creation games like Minecraft, to sports and competitive strategy games, and violent first-person shooters. Putting them all under the same umbrella as "true games" that "engage and excite us even when we fail" comes off as hopelessly shallow and just as bad as deeming all books of all genres as educational. (Which she also writes: "Let them skim through books, and dive deep into what interests them: poems, comic books, nonfiction, magazines, cookbooks...") Too much overgeneralization, too little nuance and research.
As a game developer and lifelong player, I actually look back on childhood games as a complete and total waste of time, that continues to haunt us to this day when we feel the nostalgic twinge and marketing appeal of an old franchise. Every day brings fresh reminders about how better I could have spent that childhood time, in learning something or collaborating with peers for a science fair competition, spelling bee, or sporting event. Video games that yield no real life benefit are not a source of motivation parents should be recommended. Certain usages and rewards may carry over, but Ana treats them at such a superficial level - "stick with a task" , "In Super Mario, what matters is getting to the finish line and beating the game," "Video games are like conversations,"-- that they feel forced and don't connect concretely to benefits that kids are tapping in real life. Yes, I beat Super Mario a number of times as a child. No, I didn't learn anything from that experience that carries over into my adult life. In fact, I regret ever playing it because now I get marketed -- sometimes successfully -- to buy and play the latest Nintendo game, or even work for Nintendo. These generic concepts of failing and trying again are not unique to gaming and should not be presented as a way that games are better pastimes than, say, reading, writing, exercise, role play, or sports.
"Games like Starcraft taught [Tobi Lutke] how to develop strategies, manage resources, and invest for the long term. These lessons directly transferred to his role as CEO." Such a misnomer and overgeneralization. CEOs don't learn managing their profit/loss, budgeting, and payroll from Starcraft. This kind of analogy may sound good pop-culturally or pop-scientifically, but it holds no truth. It is a forced storytelling attempt to find reason for a person's business success, a marketing ploy for games, and comes from people who haven't played games at a competitive or deep enough level to question those weak connections and assumptions. Maybe Ana should walk into a South Korean gaming cafe or interview some gaming YouTubers, Twitch streamers, or game studio artists & programmers before determining whether or not inspiring kids with games is a good idea. Sometimes, you don't realize how much harm you do until the kid is out-of-sight, out-of-mind, and all grown up and wondering where all those hours of gaming led her, what kinds of jobs and work cultures they entail. This kind of study requires the perspective of children who have grown up one way vs another. In short, recommending video games because kids want to play them and seem to enjoy the challenge is pitifully shallow and not something I'd wish on any family, especially as that child starts seeking game development jobs.
Readers of this book don't need game recommendations, they need program recommendations. While she does offer some -- like Primer, Forest School, and Prenda -- in the back of the book, they're listed more like URL-dropping or famous name-dropping, without the proper explanation of their specific benefits and case studies.
Overall, the publisher packaged the content in a presentable, colorful, easily digestible, well-illustrated, grammatically sound package, but no amount of design effort can polish a dud into a shiny new toy. Ana Lorena Fabrega has clearly read a lot of research, and experienced a lot of firsthand teaching with kids, but lacks both the depth of scientific study, and the necessary nuance of watching kids grow not only in school, but in the household and after-school, to full adults that have to justify the time they spent as kids in one approach vs another. You can't snapshot a kid (or kids) you taught in class and extrapolate what motivated him or her to all kids from all backgrounds and what's good for them. You have to follow them through time; talk to more educators, parse the results of their papers, experiments and case studies; gather more data and evidence; and present it with more purpose, polish, and depth. At the very least, give us some programs that verifiably work for children that have grown up through them, like Tools of the Mind, or Linda Caldwell's TimeWise.
Our kids deserve a more in-depth, less-superficial survey of the options available, because each child gets only one shot.
September 5, 2023
"The Learning Game" by Ana Lorena Fábrega is a thought-provoking book that challenges the current state of education. Ana questions the effectiveness of our educational system and encourages us to rethink the purpose of education. By offering practical strategies, Ana equips readers with tools to redesign education and prepare children for the real "game of life." This book is a MUST-READ for anyone concerned about the future of education!
September 18, 2023
Wow! I had already decided on homeschooling my daughter before I read this book. After reading it I realized I made the right decision.
This book really sheds light on what goes on in the classroom and what techniques are used and allowed. I couldn't put this one down.
If you're considering homeschooling or not sure about the school system, read this book.
This book really sheds light on what goes on in the classroom and what techniques are used and allowed. I couldn't put this one down.
If you're considering homeschooling or not sure about the school system, read this book.
September 19, 2023
If you’re not happy with the current state of education in the US, you’re not alone! Read this book and join the revolution!
September 8, 2023
Ana's book on education is a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and opportunities in the modern educational landscape, offering valuable insights for both educators and parents. Her eloquent writing and well-researched arguments make it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of education.
September 5, 2023
"The Learning Game" by Ana Lorena Fábrega is a powerful book that challenges the traditional education model. Ana argues that the current system fails to serve our children's best interests and urges us to reconsider it. The book empowers children to think for themselves, take risks, and pursue their own projects. It offers practical tools for parents and educators to make a positive impact on children's learning journeys. I truly recommend this book for anyone interested in transforming education for the better.
September 5, 2023
'The Learning Game' is a must-read for any parent, educator, or mentor. It's a practical guide to help you teach kids how to think for themselves, embrace any difficulty life may throw their way, and make them more resilient in every way. Through her book, Ana makes us ALL question the assumptions we've been taught and learn how to discover our own way and love for learning.
September 6, 2023
I loved the fact that childs are allowed to think outside the box. A true eye opener for today’s generation on gamification and new teaching methods
October 20, 2023
It was a little more Progressive than I liked.
December 13, 2023
Ana Lorena Fábrega explores the shortcomings of the traditional education system in her book The Learning Game. She begins by critiquing the "game of school," where success is measured by pleasing teachers, getting good grades, and progressing through grades. However, she notes that this approach doesn't necessarily lead to genuine learning but rather imitates the process.
Fábrega shares her own experiences, emphasizing that real learning occurred when she explored her curiosities and unleashed her creativity outside the confines of the classroom. She questions the effectiveness of a system that enforces obedience and compliance but may stifle genuine curiosity and creativity.
The author acknowledges the need for order and discipline in a learning environment but emphasizes balancing it with fostering a love for learning. She raises critical questions about how to transform the game of school into an actual game of learning, making it sustainable throughout childhood and adulthood.
Fábrega introduces seven dangerous lessons enforced by the school system: confusion due to out-of-context learning, class position dictating status, indifference to individual interests, emotional and intellectual dependency on authority figures, provisional self-esteem based on external validation, and constant surveillance limiting privacy.
She questions the effectiveness of standardized tests, arguing that they often prioritize test-taking skills over actual knowledge application. Fábrega advocates for lowering the stakes, providing more room for exploration creativity, and allowing students to learn from mistakes.
The author challenges the traditional reward system, stating that extrinsic motivators may hinder long-term engagement. Instead, she promotes intrinsic motivation, emphasizing recognition of effort, ethics, curiosity, perseverance, and a growth mindset over mere task completion.
You are urged to shift from a fear of mistakes to embracing them as opportunities for learning. She encourages students to break away from conformity, promoting individuality and creativity. The author advocates unlearning the fear of questioning authority and emphasizes the importance of asking relevant, precise questions.
Fábrega critiques the formulaic learning created by the education system and suggests unlearning certain aspects to foster genuine curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. The book encourages a paradigm shift from the game of school to the game of authentic learning.
Summary of Part 2: Learning Through Stories and Experience
Fábrega explores the idea that separating work and play is counterproductive to learning. She argues that when children work on self-driven projects, they voluntarily work hard, resulting in profound learning experiences. Real-life examples, like an 11-year-old creating a podcast to explore various careers, illustrate how passion and effort can inspire deep learning.
The "vuja de" concept encourages looking at familiar things with a fresh perspective, fostering curiosity. Encouraging skepticism, asking questions, and rejecting defaults are presented as tools to help children cultivate a love for learning.
Traditional classrooms often focus on lecturing facts, but Fábrega contends humans learn best through stories. Teachers who bring subjects to life with captivating stories and examples make learning more engaging. The chapter emphasizes the importance of students mimicking the people they learn about, turning studying into an enjoyable, natural process.
Stories, according to Fábrega, make knowledge memorable and practical. Learning through heroes and their journeys inspires students to achieve.
Fábrega challenges the emphasis on memorization and suggests a shift towards mental models and cognitive skills. Memorizing less and analyzing more is proposed to create a strong foundation of general knowledge. The chapter stresses the need for children to understand the "why" behind how the world works rather than memorizing trivia.
The myth of fixed learning styles is debunked. Fábrega argues that individuals use a combination of learning styles and emphasizes the interconnectedness of these styles. Encouraging students to explore various sensory options and switch learning styles keeps education dynamic and exciting.
The book explores how confusion, when approached correctly, can lead to curiosity, motivation, engagement, and learning. The right level of confusion, not too hard or too easy, creates cognitive disequilibrium, promoting a desire to learn and encouraging productive struggle, letting children navigate confusion on their own fosters a mindset that sees complex problems as exciting opportunities for learning.
The synthesis of information across different disciplines is a powerful tool for authentic learning. Fábrega encourages educators to allow students to experiment, experience confusion, and learn from their mistakes, emphasizing that confusion is a standard and beneficial part of the learning process.
Summary of Part 3: The Power of Games
This part delves into the psychological state induced by games, known as "flow," where individuals operate at the edge of their skill level, fully absorbed in a task. She identifies three critical components for achieving flow: clear goals, unambiguous feedback, and a Goldilocks challenge. Flow turns games into intrinsically rewarding experiences, overshadowing extrinsic rewards like trophies. Fábrega contrasts this with "pointsification," cautioning against meaningless rewards hindering genuine skill development. The "Super Mario effect" is highlighted, emphasizing the value of not penalizing mistakes, enabling perseverance and eventual success. Fábrega proposes prioritizing end goals over grades, aligning with how video games facilitate learning through repeated attempts.
Fábrega explores the motivations behind gaming, emphasizing autonomy, competency, and relatedness. She questions whether kids seek online supplements due to a lack of these elements in their offline lives. Fábrega encourages understanding the pros and cons of screen time, advocating for a balanced approach. She underscores the importance of collaborative boundary-setting for screen time, promoting real-world experiences for building competency and relatedness. The chapter advises against using games as an escape, advocating for purposeful play that aligns with personal goals. Fábrega suggests limiting game time to 21 hours per week and encourages playing against familiar individuals rather than strangers for a more positive experience. For practical guidance, understanding the reasons behind a child's device usage is recommended.
Summary of Part 4: Raising Successful Kids
Rasing successful kids introduces the concept of "skin in the game," emphasizing that individuals should bear the consequences of their decisions. Traditional school systems, represented by report cards, lack this real-world accountability. Fábrega argues that such stakes make learning more memorable and reflective of actual life. She advocates for healthy competition, as it mirrors the challenges of the real world. The chapter underscores the importance of parents actively participating in their children's education to make the most impact during their formative years. This involvement is not limited to homeschooling but can include a few hours per week spent on meaningful learning activities and discussions, fostering a love for learning.
Fábrega challenges the notion of protecting children from rejection, failure, pain, and discomfort, asserting that facing challenges makes them stronger. She advocates for allowing children to experience moderate pain and low-stakes conflicts without unnecessary intervention. The chapter emphasizes that doing nothing at times is more beneficial than intervening excessively, as it allows children to navigate challenges and learn resilience.
Stoicism, with its virtues of courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom, becomes a cornerstone for building character. Fábrega suggests educating kids about stoicism through stories of heroes, fostering an understanding of what can be controlled, encouraging journaling and self-reflection, and promoting persistence as a key virtue. The philosophy is presented as a tool for facing adversity with a level-headed approach.
The chapter explores the balance between generalism and specialization, advocating for a phased approach of generalizing and specializing. Fábrega encourages exposing kids to various activities, subjects, and learning experiences, applauding them when they leave their comfort zones. Specific knowledge, defined as a deep understanding of interconnected things, is considered valuable, and parents are advised to help children discover and apply their unique skills to real-world problems.
Allowing kids to fail and quit in the proper context fosters experimentation and exploration. Failure is an essential aspect of progress, with Naval Ravikant's quote emphasizing the importance of trial and error. The chapter recommends using failure as a reflective process, questioning what was learned what could be done differently, and preparing for another attempt armed with more information. The option to quit is seen as an opportunity for children to try new things without expecting every endeavor to be a perfect fit.
Part 4 provides a holistic approach to raising successful kids, incorporating accountability, resilience, character development, a balance between exploration and specialization, and the valuable lessons embedded in failure and quitting.
Summary of Part 5: The Model Parent
The last part of the book discusses the concept that effective parenting requires mental models from diverse disciplines. Citing Charlie Munger, she emphasizes that wisdom cannot be confined to a single academic department. This chapter underscores the importance of incorporating insights from various fields into parenting strategies. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach, parents can develop a comprehensive understanding and navigate the complexities of guiding their children.
The analogy of a powerful car driven either well or poorly by the driver's skill sets the stage for the discussion on thinking tools. Fábrega argues that the effectiveness of thinking is more about the mindset and tools than the raw power of intelligence. She introduces the idea of "elastic thinking," which, in contrast to analytical and automatic thinking, allows for creative and interconnected ideas. The emphasis is on fostering creative thinking in children by encouraging them to follow their natural intuition, engage in unstructured play, pursue self-directed projects, and explore beyond the confines of traditional classroom lessons. This approach aims to harness the innate innovation and problem-solving potential of children.
This last part bookends the book as a guide to parents, emphasizing the importance of adopting diverse mental models and providing a toolkit for nurturing creative thinking in their children. It encourages a shift from rigid structures to embracing a child's natural curiosity, promoting discovery, and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
Fábrega shares her own experiences, emphasizing that real learning occurred when she explored her curiosities and unleashed her creativity outside the confines of the classroom. She questions the effectiveness of a system that enforces obedience and compliance but may stifle genuine curiosity and creativity.
The author acknowledges the need for order and discipline in a learning environment but emphasizes balancing it with fostering a love for learning. She raises critical questions about how to transform the game of school into an actual game of learning, making it sustainable throughout childhood and adulthood.
Fábrega introduces seven dangerous lessons enforced by the school system: confusion due to out-of-context learning, class position dictating status, indifference to individual interests, emotional and intellectual dependency on authority figures, provisional self-esteem based on external validation, and constant surveillance limiting privacy.
She questions the effectiveness of standardized tests, arguing that they often prioritize test-taking skills over actual knowledge application. Fábrega advocates for lowering the stakes, providing more room for exploration creativity, and allowing students to learn from mistakes.
The author challenges the traditional reward system, stating that extrinsic motivators may hinder long-term engagement. Instead, she promotes intrinsic motivation, emphasizing recognition of effort, ethics, curiosity, perseverance, and a growth mindset over mere task completion.
You are urged to shift from a fear of mistakes to embracing them as opportunities for learning. She encourages students to break away from conformity, promoting individuality and creativity. The author advocates unlearning the fear of questioning authority and emphasizes the importance of asking relevant, precise questions.
Fábrega critiques the formulaic learning created by the education system and suggests unlearning certain aspects to foster genuine curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. The book encourages a paradigm shift from the game of school to the game of authentic learning.
Summary of Part 2: Learning Through Stories and Experience
Fábrega explores the idea that separating work and play is counterproductive to learning. She argues that when children work on self-driven projects, they voluntarily work hard, resulting in profound learning experiences. Real-life examples, like an 11-year-old creating a podcast to explore various careers, illustrate how passion and effort can inspire deep learning.
The "vuja de" concept encourages looking at familiar things with a fresh perspective, fostering curiosity. Encouraging skepticism, asking questions, and rejecting defaults are presented as tools to help children cultivate a love for learning.
Traditional classrooms often focus on lecturing facts, but Fábrega contends humans learn best through stories. Teachers who bring subjects to life with captivating stories and examples make learning more engaging. The chapter emphasizes the importance of students mimicking the people they learn about, turning studying into an enjoyable, natural process.
Stories, according to Fábrega, make knowledge memorable and practical. Learning through heroes and their journeys inspires students to achieve.
Fábrega challenges the emphasis on memorization and suggests a shift towards mental models and cognitive skills. Memorizing less and analyzing more is proposed to create a strong foundation of general knowledge. The chapter stresses the need for children to understand the "why" behind how the world works rather than memorizing trivia.
The myth of fixed learning styles is debunked. Fábrega argues that individuals use a combination of learning styles and emphasizes the interconnectedness of these styles. Encouraging students to explore various sensory options and switch learning styles keeps education dynamic and exciting.
The book explores how confusion, when approached correctly, can lead to curiosity, motivation, engagement, and learning. The right level of confusion, not too hard or too easy, creates cognitive disequilibrium, promoting a desire to learn and encouraging productive struggle, letting children navigate confusion on their own fosters a mindset that sees complex problems as exciting opportunities for learning.
The synthesis of information across different disciplines is a powerful tool for authentic learning. Fábrega encourages educators to allow students to experiment, experience confusion, and learn from their mistakes, emphasizing that confusion is a standard and beneficial part of the learning process.
Summary of Part 3: The Power of Games
This part delves into the psychological state induced by games, known as "flow," where individuals operate at the edge of their skill level, fully absorbed in a task. She identifies three critical components for achieving flow: clear goals, unambiguous feedback, and a Goldilocks challenge. Flow turns games into intrinsically rewarding experiences, overshadowing extrinsic rewards like trophies. Fábrega contrasts this with "pointsification," cautioning against meaningless rewards hindering genuine skill development. The "Super Mario effect" is highlighted, emphasizing the value of not penalizing mistakes, enabling perseverance and eventual success. Fábrega proposes prioritizing end goals over grades, aligning with how video games facilitate learning through repeated attempts.
Fábrega explores the motivations behind gaming, emphasizing autonomy, competency, and relatedness. She questions whether kids seek online supplements due to a lack of these elements in their offline lives. Fábrega encourages understanding the pros and cons of screen time, advocating for a balanced approach. She underscores the importance of collaborative boundary-setting for screen time, promoting real-world experiences for building competency and relatedness. The chapter advises against using games as an escape, advocating for purposeful play that aligns with personal goals. Fábrega suggests limiting game time to 21 hours per week and encourages playing against familiar individuals rather than strangers for a more positive experience. For practical guidance, understanding the reasons behind a child's device usage is recommended.
Summary of Part 4: Raising Successful Kids
Rasing successful kids introduces the concept of "skin in the game," emphasizing that individuals should bear the consequences of their decisions. Traditional school systems, represented by report cards, lack this real-world accountability. Fábrega argues that such stakes make learning more memorable and reflective of actual life. She advocates for healthy competition, as it mirrors the challenges of the real world. The chapter underscores the importance of parents actively participating in their children's education to make the most impact during their formative years. This involvement is not limited to homeschooling but can include a few hours per week spent on meaningful learning activities and discussions, fostering a love for learning.
Fábrega challenges the notion of protecting children from rejection, failure, pain, and discomfort, asserting that facing challenges makes them stronger. She advocates for allowing children to experience moderate pain and low-stakes conflicts without unnecessary intervention. The chapter emphasizes that doing nothing at times is more beneficial than intervening excessively, as it allows children to navigate challenges and learn resilience.
Stoicism, with its virtues of courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom, becomes a cornerstone for building character. Fábrega suggests educating kids about stoicism through stories of heroes, fostering an understanding of what can be controlled, encouraging journaling and self-reflection, and promoting persistence as a key virtue. The philosophy is presented as a tool for facing adversity with a level-headed approach.
The chapter explores the balance between generalism and specialization, advocating for a phased approach of generalizing and specializing. Fábrega encourages exposing kids to various activities, subjects, and learning experiences, applauding them when they leave their comfort zones. Specific knowledge, defined as a deep understanding of interconnected things, is considered valuable, and parents are advised to help children discover and apply their unique skills to real-world problems.
Allowing kids to fail and quit in the proper context fosters experimentation and exploration. Failure is an essential aspect of progress, with Naval Ravikant's quote emphasizing the importance of trial and error. The chapter recommends using failure as a reflective process, questioning what was learned what could be done differently, and preparing for another attempt armed with more information. The option to quit is seen as an opportunity for children to try new things without expecting every endeavor to be a perfect fit.
Part 4 provides a holistic approach to raising successful kids, incorporating accountability, resilience, character development, a balance between exploration and specialization, and the valuable lessons embedded in failure and quitting.
Summary of Part 5: The Model Parent
The last part of the book discusses the concept that effective parenting requires mental models from diverse disciplines. Citing Charlie Munger, she emphasizes that wisdom cannot be confined to a single academic department. This chapter underscores the importance of incorporating insights from various fields into parenting strategies. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach, parents can develop a comprehensive understanding and navigate the complexities of guiding their children.
The analogy of a powerful car driven either well or poorly by the driver's skill sets the stage for the discussion on thinking tools. Fábrega argues that the effectiveness of thinking is more about the mindset and tools than the raw power of intelligence. She introduces the idea of "elastic thinking," which, in contrast to analytical and automatic thinking, allows for creative and interconnected ideas. The emphasis is on fostering creative thinking in children by encouraging them to follow their natural intuition, engage in unstructured play, pursue self-directed projects, and explore beyond the confines of traditional classroom lessons. This approach aims to harness the innate innovation and problem-solving potential of children.
This last part bookends the book as a guide to parents, emphasizing the importance of adopting diverse mental models and providing a toolkit for nurturing creative thinking in their children. It encourages a shift from rigid structures to embracing a child's natural curiosity, promoting discovery, and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.
May 23, 2024
A simple and short book about how education can be better presented to children. I may be biased in giving this a 5 star review because I simply agreed with most of her points. But where I gained value was the interesting ideas on how to implement some learning techniques for the future. I'm excited to see where my own children's curiosity can take them, and where I can provide any supplements to their education.
I will note that this is not a book that will give you in-depth details and super structured plans if that's what you're looking for. It's more of a brief overview. I believe this brevity is more appealing to the masses, which may be the spark some people need. If you want something more in-depth, you'll probably want to keep looking.
I will note that this is not a book that will give you in-depth details and super structured plans if that's what you're looking for. It's more of a brief overview. I believe this brevity is more appealing to the masses, which may be the spark some people need. If you want something more in-depth, you'll probably want to keep looking.
September 8, 2023
This book is an excellent guide for parents seeking alternative learning methods for their children. This book draws inspiration from the worlds of finance, sports, and entrepreneurship, making it applicable to anyone interested in the art of learning. Truly an amazing read!
February 24, 2024
A teacher who wanted to be a capitalists that quit teaching to tell current teachers the system is wrong because we’re not creating more capitalists BYE
October 3, 2023
Starting of with the positives, the theme of the book is pretty valid. It deals with the challenges of the present educational system and the quest for a better educational paradigm. The book is easy to read, flows well and makes for a good read. Some of the topics which are covered in the book are very useful to know and have been presented well. Particularly the section on thinking hats, the section on anti-fragility etc. It also has some great recommendations in some sections on how you can improve the educational and other outcomes for learning using some simple steps. I saw great reviews for the book and it had been recommended by some big names as well.
However, on the flip side, if the book has taken inputs from research in its writing, the author does a shoddy job of expressing it. Most of the book's themes and suggestions are based on anecdotal evidence, examples and morality lessons rather than from any objective research. And the only research based inputs I could identify in the book was based on research done on undergraduate students. While this looks great and all, I find it difficult to understand how you can generalize the results on learning from adults and generalize the same to children. Even if you are doing that, I would expect the author to at least provide a disclaimer to notify the same which was missing. Additionally, I did not find a lot of new things or themes in the book. The book in most sections just parrots about well known issues in education without diving deeper or establishing a chain of causality or even correlation. Most of the findings, theorized relationships and recommendations are based on anecdotes and not any objective research based on the scientific principles. While anecdotes are fine, I can make any argument using anecdotes and it does not really form evidence or even a valid argument. The irony of the book is if I use critical thinking and evaluating the biases of the author before buying an argument which the author herself recommends, most of her book would have to be disregarded.
To summarize, if you are looking for a starting point into how to take more control in your child's education, it may be worth reading the book, though I would not recommend it because it does not discriminate sufficiently between the author's personal opinions and findings from research in my view. If you are an expert or even moderately aware of the field, do not see this adding any value to you.
However, on the flip side, if the book has taken inputs from research in its writing, the author does a shoddy job of expressing it. Most of the book's themes and suggestions are based on anecdotal evidence, examples and morality lessons rather than from any objective research. And the only research based inputs I could identify in the book was based on research done on undergraduate students. While this looks great and all, I find it difficult to understand how you can generalize the results on learning from adults and generalize the same to children. Even if you are doing that, I would expect the author to at least provide a disclaimer to notify the same which was missing. Additionally, I did not find a lot of new things or themes in the book. The book in most sections just parrots about well known issues in education without diving deeper or establishing a chain of causality or even correlation. Most of the findings, theorized relationships and recommendations are based on anecdotes and not any objective research based on the scientific principles. While anecdotes are fine, I can make any argument using anecdotes and it does not really form evidence or even a valid argument. The irony of the book is if I use critical thinking and evaluating the biases of the author before buying an argument which the author herself recommends, most of her book would have to be disregarded.
To summarize, if you are looking for a starting point into how to take more control in your child's education, it may be worth reading the book, though I would not recommend it because it does not discriminate sufficiently between the author's personal opinions and findings from research in my view. If you are an expert or even moderately aware of the field, do not see this adding any value to you.
September 5, 2023
Ana has courageously embraced an immense challenge, one that carries profound implications for the future: To revolutionize education so that it fulfills its inherent purpose: nurturing and shaping the leaders of tomorrow, our kids.
We've been stuck with this idea for way too long, thinking schools should be this one-size-fits-all solution to mold our kids into bright minds. It's crystal clear that this approach to shaping our future leaders has hit a dead end, capping the potential of our children. With individuals like Ana leading the charge in education, we're in an excellent position to pave the way for our children's success. We can reshape the education system to empower them to lead us by nurturing their unique interests, encouraging exploration of their humanity, and tapping into their innate curiosity.
Ana's has a unique, diverse educational journey which spans ten schools in seven countries, and her understanding of learning goes beyond the conventional -- which is precisely what we need to redefine our educational system.
One of my favorite parts from "The Learning Game" is when Ana breaks down the difference between "The Game of School" and the pitfalls of trying to win it, versus "The Game of Learning." Ana really makes us rethink what learning is all about and how it can happen just about anywhere, and it should not be confined only to a classroom.
As our world enters an era driven by technology, Ana also proposes several ways in which we can leverage it to empower our kids and harness their true creative potential -- I have not read another book yet that gives us a new perspective into how we could partner with technology for the benefit of our kids.
The Learning Game is a game changer when it comes to reimagining our education system. This book is poised to revolutionize our approach to education, ultimately fulfilling its fundamental mission of molding the next generation of leaders.
We've been stuck with this idea for way too long, thinking schools should be this one-size-fits-all solution to mold our kids into bright minds. It's crystal clear that this approach to shaping our future leaders has hit a dead end, capping the potential of our children. With individuals like Ana leading the charge in education, we're in an excellent position to pave the way for our children's success. We can reshape the education system to empower them to lead us by nurturing their unique interests, encouraging exploration of their humanity, and tapping into their innate curiosity.
Ana's has a unique, diverse educational journey which spans ten schools in seven countries, and her understanding of learning goes beyond the conventional -- which is precisely what we need to redefine our educational system.
One of my favorite parts from "The Learning Game" is when Ana breaks down the difference between "The Game of School" and the pitfalls of trying to win it, versus "The Game of Learning." Ana really makes us rethink what learning is all about and how it can happen just about anywhere, and it should not be confined only to a classroom.
As our world enters an era driven by technology, Ana also proposes several ways in which we can leverage it to empower our kids and harness their true creative potential -- I have not read another book yet that gives us a new perspective into how we could partner with technology for the benefit of our kids.
The Learning Game is a game changer when it comes to reimagining our education system. This book is poised to revolutionize our approach to education, ultimately fulfilling its fundamental mission of molding the next generation of leaders.
June 20, 2024
The rating isn’t because I don’t believe the book to be well written or intriguing. I do believe that the graphics and the way in which the topics were discussed (and the way the chapters were laid out) proved valuable and digestible. However, I would have liked to see more of the following:
1. An emphasis on technology and the exact types of things kids and teenagers can do online to develop skills for a modern workforce, create complex projects, and be creative. There was a lot of discussion on the importance of individual projects and the importance of developing skills and critical thinking for the modern world, but not enough ways in which technology can foster this learning.
2. Descriptions of ways in which modern learning can advance equity. Again, there was descriptions of how technology can help kids who are more\less advanced to do things at their own speed, but there was no discussion of how this can be implemented and how this can help kids with little access to other academic resources. All of the suggestions are great in theory, but there is no discussion of how this can work at scale with current educational infrastructure.
3. More information on current ways to play the “game of school” and the “game of learning” congruently. In reality, our world still values traditional education in terms of employment and college. And many parents aren’t involve enough in their children’s lives to facilitate extra or different types of learning. If so, what are the options for children in these scenarios (the vast majority of children)?
Of course, I understand that this book does not really serve to address more implementation-related questions about education and more serves as a manual for parents and teachers. However, the types of parents and teachers reading this book are not the part of the system that needs changing.
1. An emphasis on technology and the exact types of things kids and teenagers can do online to develop skills for a modern workforce, create complex projects, and be creative. There was a lot of discussion on the importance of individual projects and the importance of developing skills and critical thinking for the modern world, but not enough ways in which technology can foster this learning.
2. Descriptions of ways in which modern learning can advance equity. Again, there was descriptions of how technology can help kids who are more\less advanced to do things at their own speed, but there was no discussion of how this can be implemented and how this can help kids with little access to other academic resources. All of the suggestions are great in theory, but there is no discussion of how this can work at scale with current educational infrastructure.
3. More information on current ways to play the “game of school” and the “game of learning” congruently. In reality, our world still values traditional education in terms of employment and college. And many parents aren’t involve enough in their children’s lives to facilitate extra or different types of learning. If so, what are the options for children in these scenarios (the vast majority of children)?
Of course, I understand that this book does not really serve to address more implementation-related questions about education and more serves as a manual for parents and teachers. However, the types of parents and teachers reading this book are not the part of the system that needs changing.
December 19, 2024
A book for every parent, children, and teacher. There are so many methods mentioned in this book that can help them.
✨The mental models (there are so many), the TRICK method and the LEGO analogy are some of the methods that I enjoyed learning about.
Thank you @msfab_learninglab for writing this book. Looking forward to reading this book again some day.
............................................................................
✨The book teaches
➡️Children how to learn and fall in love with learning new things, Teachers to make children fall in love with learning and parents to let their children do some of the things they love and explore the things they're curious about.
➡️ Rewards can and will impact your child's ability to learn new things.
➡️Helping children realize to do the things that will help in creating their own future.
There are so many things you can learn from this book.
............................................................................
✨There are so many beautiful lines in this book. I love these lines from this book. If you plan to read this book, don't read these lines.
✨Teach kids that they don’t have to do or be one thing. They can do many things. Teach them to explore a lot of different activities to find out what they are best at and what they enjoy most. Teach them that it’s ok to rethink their chosen line of work and switch gears when necessary.
✨The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
✨Every kid is different. They have different talents and struggles, different goals and passions, and different ways they can contribute to the world.
✨The mental models (there are so many), the TRICK method and the LEGO analogy are some of the methods that I enjoyed learning about.
Thank you @msfab_learninglab for writing this book. Looking forward to reading this book again some day.
............................................................................
✨The book teaches
➡️Children how to learn and fall in love with learning new things, Teachers to make children fall in love with learning and parents to let their children do some of the things they love and explore the things they're curious about.
➡️ Rewards can and will impact your child's ability to learn new things.
➡️Helping children realize to do the things that will help in creating their own future.
There are so many things you can learn from this book.
............................................................................
✨There are so many beautiful lines in this book. I love these lines from this book. If you plan to read this book, don't read these lines.
✨Teach kids that they don’t have to do or be one thing. They can do many things. Teach them to explore a lot of different activities to find out what they are best at and what they enjoy most. Teach them that it’s ok to rethink their chosen line of work and switch gears when necessary.
✨The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
✨Every kid is different. They have different talents and struggles, different goals and passions, and different ways they can contribute to the world.
May 30, 2024
Real rating: 3.34
Elaborate review: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qLGo...
UNITY:
This is a criticism on the state of modern formal education with an alternative methodology
presented. The book dives into the history of (modern) education, its origin, the philosophy and
circumstances that conceptualized it; the need for obedient educated soldiers. The author dives into
the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how schools are not understanding
the relationship between these and autonomy, choice, and learning.
It is observed that schools are trying to learn from games by implementing rewards and
punishments, which, in fact is similar to reinforcement learning, missing the point completely that
what makes games so attracting, and effective for certain learning endeavors, is not these extrinsic
motivators but rather the characteristics of flow which are not present in modern education.
It is explained that for schools to be learning from gamification, as they should, it is a necessity that
they do not rely on rewards and punishments, but rather on the factors for flow; relevance (intrinsic
motivation), clear goals and objectives, time to focus, a challenge centered between boredom and
impossibility. In addition, the book dives into how parents can help their children learn better and
perform better in the game of learning.
Elaborate review: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qLGo...
UNITY:
This is a criticism on the state of modern formal education with an alternative methodology
presented. The book dives into the history of (modern) education, its origin, the philosophy and
circumstances that conceptualized it; the need for obedient educated soldiers. The author dives into
the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how schools are not understanding
the relationship between these and autonomy, choice, and learning.
It is observed that schools are trying to learn from games by implementing rewards and
punishments, which, in fact is similar to reinforcement learning, missing the point completely that
what makes games so attracting, and effective for certain learning endeavors, is not these extrinsic
motivators but rather the characteristics of flow which are not present in modern education.
It is explained that for schools to be learning from gamification, as they should, it is a necessity that
they do not rely on rewards and punishments, but rather on the factors for flow; relevance (intrinsic
motivation), clear goals and objectives, time to focus, a challenge centered between boredom and
impossibility. In addition, the book dives into how parents can help their children learn better and
perform better in the game of learning.
December 17, 2023
This book was light-hearted, readable, and had great, simple diagrams. If you’re a new parent and just getting your feet wet thinking about your child’s education, this is a good book to get started.
If you’ve read John Taylor Gatto and Nassim Taleb, or listened to Naval Ravikant and The Knowledge Project this book will be redundant since she quotes them a ton. I was disappointed she spent so much time relaying other’s takes instead of deep-diving on her own experiences in the classroom which in my mind is unique gold. Those of use looking to change the education system want to hear from innovative people who have experience teaching children like Ana. I hope that she does another book skewed towards her own specific techniques and learnings.
This book comes off as progressive but its tone isn’t so radical that those more traditional cannot engage. Educators in the existing system will likely be offended that the author doesn’t reference any other teachers’ learnings except for Gatto at the beginning. Additionally, the frequent plugs for Synthesis diluted the authenticity of the book. I still very much respect author’s work. I recommend following her on Twitter instead since that’s where she hosts a lot of her own takes.
If you’ve read John Taylor Gatto and Nassim Taleb, or listened to Naval Ravikant and The Knowledge Project this book will be redundant since she quotes them a ton. I was disappointed she spent so much time relaying other’s takes instead of deep-diving on her own experiences in the classroom which in my mind is unique gold. Those of use looking to change the education system want to hear from innovative people who have experience teaching children like Ana. I hope that she does another book skewed towards her own specific techniques and learnings.
This book comes off as progressive but its tone isn’t so radical that those more traditional cannot engage. Educators in the existing system will likely be offended that the author doesn’t reference any other teachers’ learnings except for Gatto at the beginning. Additionally, the frequent plugs for Synthesis diluted the authenticity of the book. I still very much respect author’s work. I recommend following her on Twitter instead since that’s where she hosts a lot of her own takes.
October 31, 2023
Overall, this book is pretty weak. It provides some high-level strategies for optimizing kids' learning, but offers very few concrete examples. It's more of a "here are a bunch of things you can Google later" sort of book. Most topics are discussed in very little detail. For example, there's a chapter on memorization and it boils down to "stop using flashcards and use techniques like the Memory Palace" with a single example of a memory palace and doesn't offer any interesting example on _what_ to use the memory palace _for_.
Any topic in the book where I had any prior knowledge on was pretty much useless and offered no extra benefit. I could maybe see myself recommending this to someone who is completely new to productivity and learning techniques, but then again such a person would likely not be the type to read nonfiction books.
The main use I see for this book is as a review list of topics to dig into separately.
Any topic in the book where I had any prior knowledge on was pretty much useless and offered no extra benefit. I could maybe see myself recommending this to someone who is completely new to productivity and learning techniques, but then again such a person would likely not be the type to read nonfiction books.
The main use I see for this book is as a review list of topics to dig into separately.
January 9, 2024
En este libro se habla de las fallas generales del sistema académico y cómo es que mediante incentivos perversos se logra que los niños se enfoquen en las cosas poco importantes de la educación, como recibir instrucciones y tener buenas calificaciones.
En el libro encontrarás una serie de propuestas sobre cómo transformar la educación de los niños para criar adultos que amen aprender.
Me gustó mucho que aplica conocimiento moderno a la educación de los niños además de que levanta un punto muy importante: la educación de tus hijos es principalmente responsabilidad de los padres y es un error muy grande dejársela al sistema educativo con todos los compromisos que tiene que hacer para atender a todas las personas que están en él.
Si has leído libros modernos de no ficción, aquí los verás todos aplicados a la educación. Lo recomiendo mucho como una visión fresca y aplicada de la educación.
En el libro encontrarás una serie de propuestas sobre cómo transformar la educación de los niños para criar adultos que amen aprender.
Me gustó mucho que aplica conocimiento moderno a la educación de los niños además de que levanta un punto muy importante: la educación de tus hijos es principalmente responsabilidad de los padres y es un error muy grande dejársela al sistema educativo con todos los compromisos que tiene que hacer para atender a todas las personas que están en él.
Si has leído libros modernos de no ficción, aquí los verás todos aplicados a la educación. Lo recomiendo mucho como una visión fresca y aplicada de la educación.
October 17, 2024
The Learning Game by Ana Lorena Fábrega is an eye-opening book that challenges how we think about education today. The author questions the traditional school system and explains how it often doesn’t meet the needs of modern students. Through well-researched ideas and practical tips, the author shows new ways to teach that encourage kids to think for themselves, solve problems, and be creative.
The book gives helpful advice for parents and teachers, offering different ways to approach education including homeschooling or adding extra learning at home to support traditional schooling. It’s easy to follow and gives real-life examples, making the suggestions useful for anyone who wants to improve a child's learning experience.
Overall, The Learning Game is a great read for parents, teachers, and anyone interested in changing how we educate children. It’s an inspiring guide that helps readers think about how we can prepare kids for a better and more thoughtful future.
The book gives helpful advice for parents and teachers, offering different ways to approach education including homeschooling or adding extra learning at home to support traditional schooling. It’s easy to follow and gives real-life examples, making the suggestions useful for anyone who wants to improve a child's learning experience.
Overall, The Learning Game is a great read for parents, teachers, and anyone interested in changing how we educate children. It’s an inspiring guide that helps readers think about how we can prepare kids for a better and more thoughtful future.
March 6, 2024
Whether in the USA or Europe, the problem with the education system is all around the world. I can't say those thoughts in the book are fully new to me, but someone needed to say it, write it, and publish it, and I applaud this.
What I love about this book is the clarity of thoughts. ideas, and suggestions - the author states the problem, shows where this or that approach will lead, as well as shares ideas on how to overcome possible results or, even better, adjust the whole teaching approach or beliefs. Moreover, it doesn't matter, if you have kids or not, the overall ideas and suggestions should help you approach learning new things for yourself in a smarter and more useful way, and should help in mentoring others as well, removing useless expectations and pressure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What I love about this book is the clarity of thoughts. ideas, and suggestions - the author states the problem, shows where this or that approach will lead, as well as shares ideas on how to overcome possible results or, even better, adjust the whole teaching approach or beliefs. Moreover, it doesn't matter, if you have kids or not, the overall ideas and suggestions should help you approach learning new things for yourself in a smarter and more useful way, and should help in mentoring others as well, removing useless expectations and pressure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2024
The huge campaign on social media has its effects, indeed. I anticipated a masterpiece because of all the noise that the author made beforehand and all of her circle praising and recommending the script.
I grabbed it with enthusiasm only to be surprised at the shallow language and thoughts, the super superficial criticism of the educational system stating the obvious but not even in an honest way (as if preserving self?) let alone giving practical ways or solutions to the matter.
The author has devoted too much time to the beautification of the appearance, but the content is far from acceptable. I think someone wrongly advised her to write something so that she can create an audience and then name the first attempt "sh*tty first draft". But for me, I would never even think about getting (even if for free) of her written materials.
I grabbed it with enthusiasm only to be surprised at the shallow language and thoughts, the super superficial criticism of the educational system stating the obvious but not even in an honest way (as if preserving self?) let alone giving practical ways or solutions to the matter.
The author has devoted too much time to the beautification of the appearance, but the content is far from acceptable. I think someone wrongly advised her to write something so that she can create an audience and then name the first attempt "sh*tty first draft". But for me, I would never even think about getting (even if for free) of her written materials.
October 17, 2023
As a parent to 3 young kids I have become extremely interested in the best ways to educate them. This was an enjoyable and thought provoking read. The author takes you on a journey of education throughout the years, where we have fallen short and how we can use the latest technologies to provide the best education possible. This, Along with timeless techniques, we will be able to better prepare the future generations for the world they will be growing up in. My biggest takeaways were the emphasis on igniting a child’s individual curiosities as well as creating an environment that is not only conducive to failure but encourages it as a means to learning through experience. The collaborative aspect to “Synthesis” is also highly appealing to me. I could not recommend this book more!
November 6, 2023
I have recently finished reading The Learning Game and I am confident to say that this is one of the most insightful books I have read this year.
The Learning Game is excellent for those who are only starting to explore alternative education and may not know where to start.
For those like me who work in education and have been reading many books on the subject, we still get to learn so many new insights and get inspired to dive deeper into some of the many concepts Ana mentions.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about the book is all the nice colourful pictures supporting each stories. The book is easy to understand and can be read very fast.
I am looking forward to a second book!
The Learning Game is excellent for those who are only starting to explore alternative education and may not know where to start.
For those like me who work in education and have been reading many books on the subject, we still get to learn so many new insights and get inspired to dive deeper into some of the many concepts Ana mentions.
One of the things I enjoyed the most about the book is all the nice colourful pictures supporting each stories. The book is easy to understand and can be read very fast.
I am looking forward to a second book!
October 17, 2023
Children learn by doing and while having fun! Not because there are grades associated with it or because someone said they should learn that. I see my son learn complex skills all on his own, because he actually likes what he is doing (modelling and printing in 3D, coding games).
This is what this book is about: how we, as parents, can support our children to learn what they like, find interesting, have talent for... so they become the person they are meant to be! And Ms Fab provides us with great resources we can use to do just that.
Thank you Ms Fab - this is definitly one of my favorite books ever!!
This is what this book is about: how we, as parents, can support our children to learn what they like, find interesting, have talent for... so they become the person they are meant to be! And Ms Fab provides us with great resources we can use to do just that.
Thank you Ms Fab - this is definitly one of my favorite books ever!!
October 17, 2023
This is an excellent book chock full of ideas to foster curiosity and help kids learn to think for themselves. It has mental models and tools to help you make informed decisions about your child's learning journey, and helpful ideas on how to connect with and redirect your child's emotions. There is also a helpful list of additional resources that I found myself adding to my reading list.
This is a book I'll regularly refer back to as my son grows. I view it as a toolkit to help me encourage his independent learning and intellectual growth.
This is a book I'll regularly refer back to as my son grows. I view it as a toolkit to help me encourage his independent learning and intellectual growth.
October 23, 2023
I recently read 'The Learning Game' by Ana Lorena Fabrega, and I was fascinated by her insights into our education system. Ana, with her extensive experience in education, provides a compelling analysis of both the challenges our school system faces today and the potential solutions for improvement. Her passion for empowering children to think for themselves and explore their curiosity shines through every page. Whether you're a parent seeking a better educational experience for your child or simply interested in the future of learning, this is a must read!
April 22, 2024
The book is about parenting and educating our next generation. It points out brokenness of current education system and tries to give few pratical suggestions, on how to deal with it. Education/learning for kids, is too important to be outsourced solely to the schools. The Book impressively uses engaging graphics. Although the book deals with an important topic, I found it to be a bit shallow. I wish the author could have jumped deeper on a few parts with anecdotes/studies. Someone interested in parenting would find this book, useful.
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