Future Learning Design Podcast

Sir Geoff Mulgan, a Professor at University College London and former Chief Executive of Nesta, shares insights on the pressing need for educational reform. He discusses the challenges formal education faces, particularly in adapting to modern demands like AI and the pandemic. Mulgan critiques current structures and advocates for a collaborative approach, emphasizing the roles of intermediaries in fostering innovation. He also calls for designing more flexible institutions that prioritize human relationships and local contexts, paving the way for impactful change.

One of the things that I enjoy doing on the podcast is problematising various ’school subjects’. In previous episodes, with various guests we’ve questioned maths, languages, economics, history, physical education. But we haven’t yet taken a critical look at science itself, which is not only a set of disciplines, but also an approach and methodology that underpins a lot of the logic of how many like to imagine that we direct education, through evidence-based practice and the sciences of learning. Apparently it tells us ‘what works’ in inverted commas… doesn’t it? This week, it’s a massive pleasure to be chatting with the delightful and funny Subhadra Das a historian, writer, broadcaster, comedian, curator, researcher and storyteller who looks at the relationship between science and society. She specialises in the history and philosophy of science, particularly the history of scientific racism and eugenics, and for nine years, was Curator of the Science Collections at University College London. She was also Researcher in Critical Eugenics at the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Racism and Racialisation. Subhadra has also appeared on radio and TV as a stand-up comedian. In this conversation we talk about her fantastic   recent book, Uncivilised: Ten Lies that Made the West. Subhadra Das (https://www.subhadradas.com/) is a historian, writer, broadcaster, comedian, curator, researcher and storyteller who looks at the relationship between science and society.  She specialises in the history and philosophy of science, particularly the history of scientific racism and eugenics, and what those histories mean for our lives today. For nine years, Subhadra was Curator of the Science Collections at University College London, where she was also Researcher in Critical Eugenics at the Sarah Parker Remond Centre for the Study of Racism and Racialisation.  She’s also a prolific writer, broadcaster on radio and TV and stand-up comedian. In this conversation we talk about her recent book, Uncivilised: Ten Lies that Made the West In which she brings the lens of the history of science to bear on Western tropes such as ‘knowledge is power’, ‘time is money’ and ’justice is blind’.

Charles Fadel, a global education thought leader and founder of the Center for Curriculum Redesign, dives into the transformative impact of AI on education. He discusses the importance of adapting educational systems to technological advancements and navigating the relationship between humans and machines. Fadel advocates for holistic education, balancing knowledge with character development. He highlights the significance of experiential learning and meta-learning, while addressing AI's environmental consequences, urging for cleaner technologies in education.

Zoe Weil, co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education and author of 'The Solutionary Way,' teams up with Julie Meltzer, education advocate and author, for an insightful conversation. They delve into the transformative power of humane education in fostering empathy and activism among students. Discussing the MOGO principle, they emphasize making choices that do the most good with the least harm. Their Solutionary Framework empowers learners to engage with real-world challenges, inspiring a new generation of solutionaries committed to social change.

Dr. Helen Street, a seasoned social psychologist and educator, champions holistic well-being in education. She emphasizes that living well isn't about quick happiness fixes but understanding the importance of context. Dr. Street critiques traditional views, advocating for educational frameworks that prioritize emotional needs, social connections, and resilience. She also highlights the role of unanswerable questions in learning and the necessity of psychological safety for fostering deeper exploration. Join her as she navigates risks, equity, and the transformative power of storytelling in schools.

Kevin Belin, Director of the Diné Bizaad Institute and a Navajo Language teacher, shares his passion for preserving the Navajo language and culture. He emphasizes how language shapes identity and community ties. The conversation dives into the complexities of Navajo verbs and their significance in modern communication. Belin also discusses the challenges alumni face in retaining their linguistic roots post-graduation, underscoring the vital role of education and community in nurturing cultural heritage for future generations.

Dave Snowden, the creator of the Cynefin Framework and expert in complexity science, shares his insights on navigating modern educational challenges. He critiques rigid educational norms, advocating for a dynamic and collective approach to learning. The conversation delves into the intricate interplay between anthropology and education, calling for a deeper understanding of social contexts in teaching. Snowden also examines the impact of AI on education, emphasizing the necessity of human engagement, creativity, and adaptability in fostering effective learning environments.

In this lively discussion, Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, an acclaimed educator and author, shares her insights into joy and criticality in learning. She emphasizes the significance of understanding one’s cultural roots for holistic education and the need for flexibility in curricula. Muhammad introduces her framework of five pursuits, advocating for joyful learning through nature and art. The conversation also explores innovative educational practices, including the integration of music, to foster engagement and empowerment in students.

In this enlightening discussion, Michael Strong, a pioneer in innovative educational design and founder of Socratic Experience, shares his insights on the power of Socratic dialogue in fostering student agency. He dismantles myths around educational change and highlights the importance of critical thinking in a tech-driven world. Michael emphasizes the role of diverse texts in engagement and advocates for purpose-driven entrepreneurship, particularly in Africa. He also explores how community-focused schooling can enhance adolescent well-being and counteract mental health challenges.

Minna Salami, a Nigerian-Finnish and Swedish feminist author and Program Chair at THE NEW INSTITUTE, shares her groundbreaking insights on knowledge construction through her concept of 'Sensuous Knowledge.' She challenges traditional educational hierarchies, advocating for the inclusion of personal narratives and diverse epistemologies. Through a lens of Black feminism, Minna discusses the importance of reshaping educational frameworks to promote emotional and analytical understanding, highlighting the need for enhanced voices and innovative political philosophies.