Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Shut-Down Learner summary
Richard Selznick
Brief summary
The Shut-Down Learner by Richard Selznick delves into the world of students who struggle in traditional academic settings. It offers valuable insights and practical strategies for helping these learners thrive.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Shut-Down Learner
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Shut-Down Learner
In The Shut-Down Learner by Richard Selznick, we are introduced to a unique type of learner. The shut-down learner is a child who, despite having average or above-average intelligence, struggles in traditional school settings. These children often have difficulty with reading, writing, and math, and may exhibit behavioral issues as a result of their frustration.
Selznick explains that shut-down learners are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Their struggles are not due to a lack of intelligence or effort, but rather a mismatch between their learning style and the teaching methods used in most schools. These children are often visual-spatial learners, meaning they learn best through hands-on activities and visual aids, rather than traditional lecture-style teaching.
Challenges and Solutions
The middle section of The Shut-Down Learner delves into the specific challenges faced by these children. Selznick discusses the impact of their struggles on their self-esteem and emotional well-being, as well as the strain it can place on their relationships with parents and teachers. He also explores the common misdiagnoses of shut-down learners, such as ADHD or dyslexia, and the potential harm of these misidentifications.
However, the book is not just a diagnosis of the problem. Selznick offers practical solutions for parents and educators to help these children thrive. He advocates for a multi-sensory, hands-on approach to teaching, and provides specific strategies for supporting shut-down learners in the classroom and at home. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating the child's unique learning style and emotional experience.
Advocating for the Shut-Down Learner
In the latter part of the book, Selznick encourages parents to become advocates for their shut-down learners. He provides guidance on how to navigate the school system, including how to request appropriate accommodations and support services. He also offers advice on how to communicate effectively with teachers and school administrators, and how to foster a positive and supportive learning environment at home.
Furthermore, Selznick addresses the emotional impact of being a shut-down learner and offers advice on how to help these children build resilience and a positive self-image. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating their strengths and interests, and finding ways to nurture their unique talents and abilities.
Conclusion: A Message of Hope
In conclusion, The Shut-Down Learner is a comprehensive guide for parents and educators of children who struggle in traditional school settings. Selznick's compassionate and insightful approach provides a deeper understanding of the shut-down learner's challenges and offers practical strategies for supporting their success. Most importantly, the book delivers a message of hope, emphasizing that with the right support and understanding, these children can overcome their struggles and thrive.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Shut-Down Learner about?
The Shut-Down Learner by Richard Selznick delves into the challenges faced by children who struggle with traditional learning methods. Through real-life stories and practical advice, the book offers insights into how parents and educators can support these 'shut-down learners' and help them unlock their full potential.
The Shut-Down Learner Review
The Shut-Down Learner (2009) offers valuable insights into understanding and supporting children who struggle with learning and attention issues. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with practical strategies and helpful tips, it provides parents and educators with the tools they need to help these children thrive.
- By exploring the emotional and psychological factors that contribute to learning challenges, this book offers a holistic approach to supporting children's development.
- With its real-life case studies and relatable stories, the book brings the content to life, making it engaging and informative.
Who should read The Shut-Down Learner?
- Parents of children who struggle with traditional learning methods
- Educators and school administrators seeking alternative approaches to teaching
- Individuals interested in the intersection of psychology and education
Categories with The Shut-Down Learner
Book summaries like The Shut-Down Learner
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Shut-Down Learner FAQs
What is the main message of The Shut-Down Learner?
The main message of The Shut-Down Learner is understanding and helping struggling students find success in learning.
How long does it take to read The Shut-Down Learner?
The reading time for The Shut-Down Learner varies depending on the reader's speed. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Shut-Down Learner a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Shut-Down Learner is an insightful and practical book that provides valuable strategies to support struggling learners.
Who is the author of The Shut-Down Learner?
The author of The Shut-Down Learner is Richard Selznick.
What to read after The Shut-Down Learner?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Shut-Down Learner, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- Quiet by Susan Cain
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini