The Learning Future Podcast with Louka Parry

Sunanna Chand, Executive Director of the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, dives into how AI can reshape education for the better. She discusses the importance of designing learning experiences that are human-centered and joy-filled, advocating for a shift from standardized education to personalized learning. Sunanna introduces the Future Shock program, equipping youth to strategize their own futures. She also emphasizes the need for innovative professional development for teachers, ensuring learning ecosystems remain equitable and connected.

What if we designed our education systems around relationships instead of outcomes—what would change in how we measure success?As AI rapidly integrates into learning environments, how do we safeguard and elevate the irreplaceable value of human connection in a child’s development?In this thought-provoking episode of The Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry is joined by Isabelle Hau, Executive Director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning and author of Love to Learn: The Transformative Power of Care and Connection in Early Education. Together, they explore why relationships must be placed at the center of learning systems—from the neuroscience of early childhood development to the role of love, play, and human connection in lifelong learning.Isabelle shares powerful insights from her research, including the impact of nurturing relationships on brain development, the hidden costs of technology-induced disconnection, and the decline of free play in childhood. They also discuss the promises and perils of AI in education—highlighting its potential to either enhance or erode our relational capacities depending on how it’s designed and used.Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or parent, this episode offers a compelling call to action: to reimagine learning as a relational, joyful, and deeply human experience.Resources mentioned:- Love to Learn by Isabelle Hau- Research on the Romanian orphanages and brain development- The Stanford study on AI companionship- Tool for Observing Play Outdoors (TOPO)Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded why love truly is at the heart of learning.Share your thoughts with us on social media or visit our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

Marc Brackett, the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and author of 'Permission to Feel,' discusses the vital role of emotional intelligence in education and beyond. He reveals how emotions are essential for navigating life, especially during crises like the pandemic. Marc introduces the RULER framework, advocating for systemic changes in schools to prioritize emotional skills. He also highlights the impact of technology on emotional health and the importance of compassionate relationships in fostering resilience.

How can educators and designers cultivate learning experiences that prepare us for a future that is constantly unfolding?In a world where the pace of technological change accelerates, what roles do emotion and creativity play in shaping our educational paradigms?Carissa Carter is a designer geoscientist and the Academic Director at the Stanford D School. Carissa guides the development of the D School’s pedagogy, leads instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She is known for her expertise in emerging tech, climate change, and data visualization and has played a pivotal role in the creation of educational resources that blend design with real-world applications.Scott Dawley is a writer, designer, and the Creative Director at the Stanford D School. Scott has been instrumental in overseeing projects ranging from books to digital products focused on the future of learning and design. He co-authored “Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration” and has taught numerous courses in design communication.In this episode, we delve into the heart of speculative design and its implications for education and future thinking. Carissa and Scott, co-authors of the influential book “Assembling Tomorrow,” discuss their journey of writing and their experiences at the Stanford D School. They explore how speculative design can act as a powerful tool in educational settings, allowing both educators and students to experiment with future scenarios in safe and meaningful ways.Listeners will gain insights into the process of creating a book that not only discusses future possibilities but also actively engages with these ideas through a series of speculative fiction stories. The discussion also touches on the role of emotion and creativity in shaping learning experiences that are not only informative but transformative.This conversation is not just about the theories of future learning but a profound look at how these ideas are practically applied and continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of society and technology.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can educators balance the need for structure in the classroom with the importance of fostering student agency and creativity?In what ways can design thinking be leveraged to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems within our education systems?Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel is an esteemed educator and designer known for her work on equity, social justice, and the inclusion of underrepresented voices in design education. Currently transitioning to OCAD University in Toronto, she previously served as a professor at North Carolina State University and held leadership roles at Tulane University and Stanford's d.school. Dr. Noel's work is deeply influenced by Paulo Freire and bell hooks, focusing on how design can be a tool for liberation and social change.In this episode, Louka Parry and Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel dive deep into the transformative power of design education. Dr. Noel discusses her journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Brazil, the U.S., and now Canada, and how these experiences have shaped her views on education, equity, and design. They explore the importance of agency in both students and educators, the role of emotional intelligence in design, and the critical need for education systems to support diverse identities and perspectives.Listeners will gain insights into how to challenge the status quo in education, the significance of cultivating emotional and social awareness in design, and practical approaches to fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments. Dr. Noel’s reflections on her own positionality and how it informs her work provide a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness in creating meaningful change.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we, as educators, better harness the power of reflection to shape the future of our students and our world? In a system that often prioritizes the "right answer," how can we cultivate a culture of divergent thinking and curiosity in our classrooms? Leticia Britos Cavagnaro is an innovative educator, designer, and scientist, currently co-directing the University Innovation Fellows program at Stanford's D School. With a PhD in developmental biology from Stanford University, Leticia has dedicated her career to creating and facilitating transformative learning experiences that emphasize creativity, design, and the use of emerging technologies. Her latest book, Experiments in Reflection: How to See the Present, Reconsider the Past, and Shape the Future, explores the importance of reflective practices in both education and personal development. In this episode, Louka Parry sits down with Leticia Britos Cavagnaro to dive deep into the art of reflection and its pivotal role in education. Leticia shares insights from her extensive experience at Stanford's D School, where she has been at the forefront of developing innovative educational methodologies. Listeners will explore how reflective practices can help students and educators alike engage more deeply with their learning experiences, fostering a culture of curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning. The conversation touches on the importance of divergent thinking and how educators can move beyond traditional, convergent models of teaching to encourage a more holistic approach to learning. Leticia also discusses the idea of using reflection not just to understand the past but to actively shape the future, offering practical experiments and strategies for educators to implement in their classrooms. Whether you're a teacher, principal, or educational innovator, this episode provides valuable insights into how to create a more dynamic, reflective, and future-focused educational environment.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

How can we harness our infinite creative potential in everyday life? What role does failure play in building creative capacity? Grace Hawthorne is an entrepreneur, designer, educator, author, and artist. She's the founder and CEO of Paperpunk, an award-winning origami and Lego mashup. Grace is also an adjunct professor at the Stanford D School, where she teaches courses on creativity and failure, and leads groundbreaking research on creative capacity building. In this episode, Grace Hawthorne discusses the transformative power of creativity and how to make possibilities happen. She shares insights from her new book, highlighting the importance of starting, doing, and finishing projects. The conversation delves into the biases that prevent us from acting on our ideas and the value of experiential learning in cultivating creativity. Grace also touches on the impact of technology on creativity and the importance of maintaining agency in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

What are the impacts of integrating contemplative social emotional learning and systems thinking in education? How can we transform our educational structures to better serve the well-being of students and educators?Mette Miriam Boell is a biologist specialized in the evolution of complex social systems, mammalian play behavior, and philosophy of nature. She holds a PhD in organizational ethology from Aarhus University and additional degrees in contemplative leadership and the philosophy of science. Mette co-founded the Center for Systems Awareness with Peter Senge, focusing on integrating social-emotional learning, systems thinking, and mindfulness in education.In this episode, Mette discusses her journey and current work, emphasizing the importance of understanding and transforming the structures that shape behavior in educational systems. She explores the integration of contemplative practices and the science of learning to address the mental health crisis among young people. Mette shares insights on the compassionate systems framework, highlighting the interconnectedness of emotional, social, and systemic elements in creating thriving learning environments. The conversation delves into the necessity of shifting away from outdated paradigms towards a more human-centric, compassionate approach to education.Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

In this discussion, Charles Fadel, founder of the Center for Curriculum Redesign and a seasoned educator, shares insights on integrating AI into education. He emphasizes the need for a balance between knowledge, skills, and character. Fadel introduces his four-dimensional education model and explores the importance of project-based learning. He critiques traditional university entrance exams, advocates for modern assessments, and examines how real-world experiences can enhance student engagement. His vision aims to equip future generations for an ever-evolving technological landscape.

What if the success of our education system was measured by how well it engages students in their passions rather than standardised test scores? How might the dynamics of a classroom change if students, parents, and teachers all had an equal say in designing the curriculum? In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, Louka Parry talks with Rebecca Winthrop, a senior fellow and co-director at the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution. They discuss the technical setup challenges before diving into the main topics. Rebecca shares insights into her dual roles as both a director and researcher, highlighting her focus on transforming education systems and engaging students. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding and addressing student disengagement, the need for system transformation versus system strengthening, and the role of power in education reform. Rebecca emphasizes the necessity of co-creating new education purposes with input from all stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators. They also explore the idea of shifting from compliance-oriented behavior management to motivation-based approaches and the impact of teacher mindsets on student engagement. Rebecca stresses that while engagement is crucial for learning outcomes, it must be supported by a system that aligns with the true purpose of education. The episode concludes with Rebecca's reflection on the transformative power of education and the potential for systemic change when all stakeholders are involved. Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.