Avery, an educator with 25 years of experience, shares his journey from competitive tennis to language learning and the deep connections that make education meaningful. He critiques rigid grading and time-based learning while exploring more flexible, student-centered approaches.
The conversation examines the impact of technology—especially social media and AI—on learning, weighing its benefits in personalized tutoring against concerns about losing the human element in education. Avery also discusses real-world projects, the role of failure, and his work in educational game development.
The episode closes with a hopeful vision for the future—one where students fall in love with learning, develop critical skills, and embrace education that truly prepares them for life.
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Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Avery's Search for Transformational Learning
[00:00:44] Guest Introduction
[00:03:05] The Role of Technology in Learning
[00:04:06] Avery’s Background and Career in Education
[00:06:00] Growing Up in Cleveland and Early School Experience
[00:08:19] A Life-Changing Moment in a University History Class
[00:10:28] Falling in Love with Language and Moving to France
[00:12:22] The Role of Tennis in Avery’s Early Life
[00:14:04] How Sports Taught Dedication and Organization
[00:15:53] The Importance of Deep Passion in Learning
[00:16:22] Parenting and Encouraging Independent Passion
[00:18:34] Pressures in Competitive Sports and Education
[00:19:04] The Public Narrative Around Education Today
[00:21:21] The Flaws in Standardized Testing and Grading
[00:23:28] What Great Classrooms Look Like and Feel Like
[00:23:40] How Student Learning Has Changed Over Time
[00:26:01] The Impact of Social Media and Digital Distractions
[00:28:11] Cell Phones in the Classroom: Tool or Distraction?
[00:28:48] The Future of AI in Education and Its Risks
[00:32:10] The Need for a More Flexible Education System
[00:34:57] Transdisciplinary Learning and Real-World Projects
[00:36:43] Designing Engaging Educational Games
[00:38:38] The Role of Failure in Learning and Growth
[00:39:51] The Problem with Grades and Competency-Based Learning
[00:41:21] Can AI Help Scale Meaningful Learning?
[00:42:40] The Skills for Life Project: Soft Skills Development
[00:44:08] A New Model for Measuring Transversal Skills
[00:45:49] The Power of a Growth-Oriented Learning System
[00:47:39] Implementing Competency-Based Learning in Schools
[00:49:13] The Role of Public Education in Systemic Change
[00:51:01] Hopes for the Future of Learning and Parenting
[00:52:44] The Social Media Algorithm and Avery’s Interests
[00:53:02] Book and Podcast Recommendations for Learning
[00:54:40] Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts