Future Learning Design Podcast

Odunayo Aliu, an Education Specialist and Development Practitioner, discusses transforming education in marginalized communities in Africa. They explore challenges faced in Nigeria, the benefits of project-based learning, and the introduction of the 'Brand Box' for offline access to online educational content. They also discuss personal journeys in social change and the importance of community and advocacy for change.

Dor Abrahamson is Professor of Secondary Mathematics Education in the area of Cognition and Development at University of California, Berkeley and a member of faculty at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education. Dor has been pioneering a design-based approach to research called embodied design. In his Embodied Design Research Laboratory (https://edrl.berkeley.edu ) Dor and his team look at cognition and learning of mathematics through the body. As one of his fascinating articles from 2016 is entitled, Learning is Moving in New Ways.  A recent book summarising research in this exciting area of embodied cognition to which Dor has contributed is linked here: Macrine, S. L., & Fugate, J. M. (Eds.). (2022) Movement Matters: How Embodied Cognition Informs Teaching and Learning: https://edrl.berkeley.edu/lab-blog-posts/macrine-s-l-fugate-j-m-eds-2022-movement-matters-how-embodied-cognition-informs-teaching-and-learning/  Social Links LinkedIn: @dor-abrahamson

In this episode, Ms Liew Wei Li, the Director-General of Education for the Ministry of Education in Singapore shares her insights into the many reasons for this success, including Singapore’s restless commitment to improvement and innovation.  Ms Liew has been the appointed Director General since April 2022, overseeing K-12 education in Singapore. She had school experience as a Chemistry teacher and school leader, and has headed a division to develop school curriculum for primary, secondary and pre-university levels. Previously, she was Deputy Director-General of Education (Schools) and concurrently Director of Schools for five years, where she led a team of school zonal directors and cluster superintendents with oversight of some 350 mainstream schools. More information on the Enhanced 21CC Framework and other topics discussed in this episode: https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/20230920-more-support-for-schools-and-students-to-shape-the-future-of-learning Social Links LinkedIn: @wei-li-liew; @moesingapore

Dr. Brad Kershner is a school leader and independent scholar, currently serving as the Head of School at Kimberton Waldorf School. His research, teaching, and writing cover a wide range of interdependent topics, including education, leadership, parenting, cultural diversity, technology, integral theory, meditation, complexity, and developmental psychology. He received his graduate education at The University of Chicago and Boston College, and he is a longtime student of multiple Buddhist lineages. He is a co-founder of The Reconstitution Project, a meta-political think-tank, (www.thereconstitution.com), and his first book is Understanding Educational Complexity: Integrating Practices and Perspectives for 21st Century Leadership. A recent article Brad has written for Integral Life, which he references at the end of our conversation, is Diversity, Empathy, and Integration: Reframing and Reclaiming a Movement Toward Healing and Wholeness. Social Links LinkedIn: @bradkershner X (formerly Twitter): @bradkershner

Daniela Papi-Thornton, an educator, facilitator, and author, discusses systems-led leadership and the importance of understanding root problems for meaningful change. The podcast explores the role of educational institutions in supporting young social innovators and the need for a shift towards a systems-led approach in education. It also delves into the intersection of audacity and humility in business strategy, the importance of self-awareness and lived experiences in problem-solving, and the concept of systems-led leadership and making a larger impact.

Inquiring into the many changes happening across the K12 education sector in India, I am joined by four fantastic guests, all working to shift the system in various ways: Dr Priti Ojha - School Consultant & Education Influencer | Global Peace Ambassador | LinkedIn Spotlight | CBSE Resource Person | British Council School Ambassador LinkedIn: @drpritiojha Vardan Kabra - Co-Founder & Head of School at Fountainhead School in Surat, Gujarat. Since 2008, the school has now grown to over 2000 students. Author of the book, 'Reimagining Indian Education'. Gujarat Chair of FICCI ARISE, Founder and Managing Trustee at Ultimate Sports and Education Trust. LinkedIn: @vardan-kabra Anoushka Jolly is the founder of Anti-Bullying Squad (ABS), an anti-bullying company that also developed an application, Kavach. In 2018, Anoushka, a student at Pathways School in New Delhi, decided to tackle bullying in her own way. In 2021, Anoushka’s anti-bullying app, Kavach won 50 million rupees in funding from investors Aman Gupta and Anupam Mittal on the Shark Tank India show. She has recently launched an updated version of the app, Kavach 2.0. LinkedIn: @anoushka-jolly Suraj Shah is an IBDP Psychology and Theory of Knowledge Educator and IB Examiner in Mumbai. He is also a trained Psychotherapist, Psychologist and Mindfulness Trainer. LinkedIn: @suraj-shah

Kirstin Coughtrie is the Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of Gaia Learning. Teacher & tech lover passionate about SEN, accessible learning and creating scalable solutions to global challenges. As an ambassador for teaching the UN SDGs and as a mum of children with additional needs and challenges, Kirstin has seen first-hand how important personalised learning is to their wellbeing and how vital flexible learning is to supporting families. Kate Longworth is the Co-Founder & CEO of ⁠Gaia Learning⁠. Experienced 'startup' tech entrepreneur and Marketeer. Passionate about education and in particular working with SEN primary school learners. Kate is a marketing entrepreneur on a mission to help children around the world learn what they love and love what they learn. Social Links Linkedin: Kirstin Coughtrie - @kirstin; Kate Longworth - @katecarneyuk Instagram: @gaialearningonline

Prof. Keith Davids, a Professor of Motor Learning, discusses ecological dynamics and its implications for learning in different educational contexts. They explore the concept of constraints in learning and the historical development of measuring and categorizing humans. They delve into the integration of principles from ecological psychology and dynamical movement systems in education and the concept of affordances in learning environments. They also discuss the shift from skill acquisition to skill adaptation, the importance of fittedness, and the manipulation of constraints in teaching and coaching. The impact of their research extends to education, military training, and working with neurodiversified populations.

Deepak Ramola, founder of Project FUEL, discusses the significance of wisdom and storytelling in education. He highlights the value of valuing different perspectives and shares insights from observing the Calais Refugee Camp. The podcast emphasizes the importance of wisdom in education and the value of teaching for wisdom, especially in children. It also explores the need to incorporate wisdom in non-traditional careers and to view wisdom as play in education.

Nora Bateson, one of the most important thinkers challenging our current paradigm, discusses Warm Data and its relevance in education. The conversation covers the influence of eugenics, prefigurative culture, challenges in understanding and naming Warm Data, the role of art in communication, the tension between STEM and arts, and creating mutual learning in education.