Future Learning Design Podcast

Olli-Pekka Heinonen, the Director General of the International Baccalaureate and author of 'Learning as If Life Depended on It', dives deep into the future of education. He discusses the urgent need to reshape our perceptions shaped by modernity and confront the societal illusions limiting our understanding. Heinonen emphasizes that trust is fading, and transformative change must start at the grassroots level. He advocates for a shift towards learning-focused communities and highlights the importance of connecting with diverse perspectives for a thriving future.

Join Rosa Moreno-Zutautas, Anisa Shaikh, Kathleen Delaski, Anthony Mann, and Shira Wolf-Cohen as they tackle the challenges young people face in choosing careers today. They discuss students' rising anxiety about the future and the importance of integrating career guidance in education. Insights reveal a demand for mental health support and the evolving expectations from educators. The panel emphasizes the need for real-world experience, tech literacy, and early career conversations among parents and students to prepare for a dynamic job market.

Dr. Luke Roberts, Founder and CEO of Resolve Consultants and an expert in conflict resolution, delves into innovative approaches for achieving peace. He explores how systems thinking reveals deep-rooted issues that perpetuate violence and the importance of nurturing personal and systemic peace. Luke emphasizes the role of education in teaching young people to manage and resolve conflict constructively. Additionally, he shares insights on how narratives can shift towards peaceful outcomes and highlights the need for leaders sensitive to context over rigid metrics.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Andrea Hiott, philosopher and cognitive scientist, delves into transformative ideas around education and cognition. She critiques the outdated 'brain-as-computer' metaphor and champions 4E cognitive science—emphasizing that learning happens in relationships and contexts. Andrea explores the implications of moving away from binary thinking, advocating for embracing multiplicity in learning. They also discuss how metrics and tests shape our educational landscape and the importance of valuing both implicit and explicit knowledge in a dynamic, relational approach.

In this insightful discussion, Vanessa Machado de Oliveira Andreotti, Dean of the Faculty of Education and author, is joined by her daughter Giovanna, a dancer and educator, and Manda Scott, host of Accidental Gods. They delve into the complexities of personal and collective identity amid modern crises. The trio explores new narratives in education, the role of AI, and the interconnectedness of humanity with nature. They also share reflections on generational shifts, emphasizing resilience, compassion, and a rethinking of spirituality in the face of evolving societal challenges.

Dr. Uma Pradhan, an Associate Professor at UCL and co-author of 'Reimagining Development', discusses the intricate ties between education and societal progress. Joined by Dr. Peter Sutoris from Leeds University, they delve into redefining education, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse epistemologies. Their conversation highlights the value of marginalized knowledge systems and the need for radical humility in development efforts. They also explore the concept of 'deep time' to inspire long-term thinking about our future and the complexities of past experiences.

Ramji Raghavan, Founder Chairman of Agastya International Foundation, has dedicated his life to transforming education for underprivileged children in India. He discusses the critical shift towards hands-on learning and the power of a broader educational ecosystem. With innovative initiatives like mobile labs and experiential science centers, Raghavan reveals how these programs foster curiosity and creativity. The conversation highlights the importance of caring relationships between educators and students, driving home the message that meaningful interactions can inspire profound change.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Kapono Ciotti, the CEO of the Pacific American Foundation in Hawai'i, discusses the urgent need to rethink educational institutions through a cultural lens. He emphasizes returning to indigenous roots to inform innovative solutions. Topics include the redefinition of learning landscapes and the drawbacks of standardized math education. Kapono advocates for personalized learning that prioritizes individual exploration, urging a transformation in educational infrastructure to nurture deep human connections.

In a captivating discussion, Sam Crosby, a traditional oral storyteller and founder of Recalling Fire, delves into the transformative power of storytelling in education. He argues that making meaning often trumps merely making sense. Sam highlights the vital role of ancient myths and elders in today's 'crisis of meaning,' advocating for a personalized approach to learning. He emphasizes the importance of fostering genuine connections and self-awareness in young people, urging educators to embrace chaos, balance, and individual journeys.

Michaela Horvathova, co-founder and Chief Education Officer of Beyond Education, dives into measuring complex competencies in schools. She discusses integrating holistic approaches from sports into education, highlighting how resilience shapes teaching methods. Michaela also emphasizes the need for grassroots involvement in educational policy for systemic change. She critiques conventional metrics, advocating for assessments that foster creativity and collaboration. With a focus on ethical practices, she explores shifting from competition to development-focused evaluations.