The world is in a learning recession.

The world is in a learning recession.

But before you blame your favorite villain, stop.

AI.

Phones.

Social media.

Parents.

COVID.

Screens.

Teachers.

Take your pick.

The newly released PISA results are concerning. Reading and mathematics performance across OECD countries have fallen substantially.

Something is happening.

But complex problems rarely have single causes.

And they almost never have single solutions.

We don’t need to run around shouting that the sky is falling.

But I’d still bring an umbrella.

PISA is very good at showing us the macro trend.

It can’t tell you exactly what’s happening in your school, classroom or home.

That’s our job.

Look closer.

Where is learning slipping?

What has changed about how students read, think, concentrate and learn?

What role are phones, sleep, AI, teaching, parenting, expectations and relationships playing?

The answers won’t be the same everywhere.

That’s the point.

We’re living through a significant disruption in how young people access information, communicate, spend their attention and learn.

Finding a new equilibrium will take time.

But each of us has a sphere of influence.

So I’m interested in yours:

What do you think is causing the learning recession?

What evidence are you seeing around you?

And most importantly, what can you do about it?

Don’t just tell me who’s to blame.

Tell me what you’re going to do.