Book | Reimagining Education with Transcend: Insights from Extraordinary Learning for All | A Conversation with Author Jenee Henry Wood | Redefining Society Podcast With Marco Ciappelli

Guest: Jenee Henry Wood, Chief Learning Officer, Transcend [@TranscendBuilds]

On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenee-henry-wood-12ba9871/

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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society Podcast & Audio Signals Podcast

On ITSPmagazine | https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-podcast-radio-hosts/marco-ciappelli

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This Episode’s Sponsors

BlackCloak 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb

Bugcrowd 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbgcweb

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Episode Introduction

In the latest episode of the Redefining Society Podcast, host Marco Ciappelli welcomes Jenee Henry Wood to explore the transformative ideas in her new book, Extraordinary Learning for All. As the Chief Learning Officer at Transcend, Jenee leads a forward-thinking organization dedicated to reimagining the educational system. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the future of education.

A Brief Note on the Episode

The episode opens with a friendly exchange, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on educational reform. Marco and Jenee share a passion for breaking away from outdated educational models and exploring more community-driven, adaptive approaches.

Breaking Down the Industrial Era Model

Jenee introduces the concept of “industrial era learning,” the traditional model that groups students by age and follows a standardized curriculum. This approach, which has dominated education for over a century, no longer meets the diverse needs of today’s society. At Transcend, Jenee and her team are working to dismantle this one-size-fits-all system, emphasizing the need for more personalized, inclusive learning models.

Challenges and the Need for Change

Marco and Jenee discuss how the current system often stifles creativity and critical thinking. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these limitations, highlighting the urgency for reform. Jenee explains how Transcend is leading efforts to address these shortcomings, helping schools and communities develop education systems that are more flexible and responsive to individual student needs.

Envisioning a New Model

In Extraordinary Learning for All, Jenee offers a blueprint for reshaping education, with a focus on holistic development rather than standardized testing. She introduces the concept of “community-based design journeys,” which empowers local communities to collaborate with Transcend in redesigning their educational frameworks. This model prioritizes creativity, purpose, and adaptability, preparing students for the uncertainties of the modern world.

The Importance of Self-Directed Learning

Marco reflects on his own experiences with education, emphasizing how self-directed learning fosters independence and lifelong curiosity. Jenee agrees, pointing out that Transcend’s mission is to cultivate environments where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and take ownership of their learning journeys.

The Role of Technology

While technology is a key tool in educational transformation, both Marco and Jenee emphasize that it’s not a silver bullet. Digital platforms and tools can enhance