- The OpenEd Daily
- Posts
- #036 - Weekly Roundup: The new success formula for teens
#036 - Weekly Roundup: The new success formula for teens
Some thoughts, trends and tools to carry you through the weekend
OpenEd Daily
September 20, 2024
And now for a look back at the week that was…
If you enjoy this edition, forward this email to a friend!
💡 THOUGHTS
The new success formula for teens:
Real projects + Work experience + Self-education + Networking = Job offers.
In a world where 52% of recent college grads are underemployed, being an average graduate doesn't signal much anymore.
Curiosity > Curriculum
Humans are born learners. Just look at a toddler’s natural curiosity. When a child uses an object in a new way (like standing on a footstool they've only seen used for sitting), they're making analogies and connections – demonstrating a deep, intuitive grasp of the world. When you allow kids to follow their curiosity, they can't help but learn.
Rethinking risk
We let 15-year-olds drive 70mph on the freeway with nothing but their parents screaming at them, yet balk at the idea of them flying planes with a trained pilot. Watch or listen to Isaac’s podcast with our friend Mark Hyatt from OpenEd partner Falcon AeroLab, and tell us how you think about risk.
📊 TRENDS
The rap icon is backing a $100 million PASS program in Pennsylvania, which would provide scholarships to students in the state's lowest-performing schools.
Since 2020, DIY learning groups have been popping up faster than sourdough starters. This trend has gone hand-in-hand with soaring enrollment in online learning platforms, with Outschool seeing a 275% increase. Pods provide a mix of customized learning, support from like-minded families, and a blend of online resources with face-to-face interaction.
Edupreneur Amar Kumar's KaiPod Learning helps passionate educators and parents launch their own personalized learning spaces. Their Catalyst program supports aspiring founders in turning educational visions into reality, while offering software, services, and community support for existing microschools. It's like the Airbnb of learning environments.
🔨 TOOLS
When a mom on Reddit asked about the best math curriculum for her 1st grader, we decided to crunch some numbers (pun intended). From Math-U-See to Prodigy Math, we've got the breakdown of what OpenEd families are using. Remember, the best math program is the one that works for YOUR family.
Worried your kid's only friend is their computer? Fear not! From sports to Discord servers, and everything in between, Renegade Educator has a list that'll make your kid more social than a butterfly at a flower convention.
Looking for an exciting way to introduce your child to the world of aerospace and aviation? Falcon AeroLab's virtual curriculum is available to OpenEd students ages 12-18. Learn from qualified industry professionals, and yes, there's even a live flight experience included. Who knows? Your teen's next field trip might just be in the cockpit!
(QUOTE) OF THE DAY
“Kids are 20% of the population, but 80% of the future.”
That’s all for this week - have a great weekend!
– Charlie (the OpenEd newsletter guy)
P.S. If you’d prefer to just receive this weekly edition, you can change your subscription settings here.