The Arts of Language Podcast · IEW (Andrew Pudewa)

Episode 524: Are Students “Quiet Quitting”?

April 8, 2026

The episode begins with Julie Walker introducing an Education Week article titled 'Are Students Quiet Quitting?', which examines a workplace trend in K-12 education. She reads a comment from an experienced teacher who highlights the major decline in student sustained attention, affecting both math problem-solving and writing. Andrew Pudewa responds by noting a shift in educational psychology where students demand pragmatic reasons for learning, questioning everything from algebra to grammar. He attributes this partly to technology and fractured attention spans. Walker then directs the conversation to Pudewa's past work on motivation, specifically his articles 'The Art and Science of Motivation' from 2007. Pudewa explains his framework, dividing it into three parts: four forms of relevancy, laws of motivation, and two secret weapons. The four forms of relevancy are intrinsic, inspired, contrived, and enforced. He argues that intrinsic motivation is declining because children have less real-life, hands-on experience and are more often consumers of entertainment rather than producers. The hosts discuss the value of activities like Legos, art, and music in fostering creativity and engagement. Pudewa emphasizes that teachers and parents should encourage children to 'do more things with their hands' and limit screen time, especially as a babysitter. The conversation turns to practical classroom strategies, including writing contests and the Institute for Excellence in Writing's structured system, which uses source texts at appropriate reading levels and provides ample help. Pudewa acknowledges the challenge for teachers whose expectations are based on students from decades ago. As the episode wraps up, Walker asks about the 'two secret weapons,' which Pudewa reveals as two sides of love: actively loving students through positive affirmation and human connection. He contrasts this with AI teachers, stating that genuine human interaction is the key antidote to student cynicism and disengagement.

As heard by us

A steady case for hands-on creativity and human connection.

Andrew Poudoi and Julie Walker anchor the conversation in a familiar workplace phrase, then let it open into a broader reflection on K-12 education.

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Why you'd press play

You want a calmer, more grounded way to read student disengagement.

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