Unlearning the Ropes

"A valuable book for parents, educators, and policymakers."

William Deresiewicz, author of Excellent Sheep



As an educational researcher, Denise Bressler has spent a lot of time in today's classrooms, and she is deeply concerned. Students are largely disengaged and unmotivated. How can that be? Learning should be a thrilling adventure, not drudgery. Drawing on established learning theories and contemporary educational research, Unlearning the Ropes demonstrates that what people are tacitly taught by school is basically backwards. For example, school teaches that good grades matter, yet good grades don't guarantee learning. In Unlearning the Ropes, Bressler reveals the moments that changed her beliefs about education. Through relatable anecdotes, she helps readers reframe the way they think about school, education, and learning. Rethinking what school teaches is the first step towards helping young people become enthusiastic learners.