Learning by Heart: An Unconventional Education

Though Wagner (senior research fellow, Learning Policy Inst.) is a gifted thinker and expert on education, his own scholarly path was rocky, as he bounced around from school to school. Here, he weaves evocative stories of his successes and failures into a discussion of the inadequacies of traditional teaching methods and the importance of student-centered learning. Reading expanded Wagner’s world as he rebelled against rote memorization and uninspired lectures; he realized that he could learn only by doing. He details a transformative experience at a summer camp that gave out achievement ribbons, which encouraged him to identify his own interests, develop confidence, and master complex skills. Experiential learning fostered his love of education and motivated him to teach others, and he shares his message of the importance of hands-on learning with readers.