The Learning Future Podcast with Louka Parry

The Learning Future
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The Learning Future Podcast with Louka Parry

The world has never been changing more rapidly, dislocating the ways we work, learn and live. On The Learning Future Podcast we discuss the knowledge, skills and dispositions we all need for our learning future, exploring insights through interviews with world-class educators, researchers, policy makers, and leaders from across industries and across the world.

  1. Carissa Carter & Scott Doorley: Assembling Tomorrow with Future Vision

    AUG 28

    Carissa Carter & Scott Doorley: Assembling Tomorrow with Future Vision

    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.

    43 min
  2. Leslie-Ann Noel: Design for Change

    AUG 21

    Leslie-Ann Noel: Design for Change

    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.

    44 min
  3. Leticia Cavagnaro: Power of Reflection

    AUG 14

    Leticia Cavagnaro: Power of Reflection

    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.

    37 min
  4. Grace Hawthorne: Creative Agency

    AUG 7

    Grace Hawthorne: Creative Agency

    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.

    47 min
  5. Mette Miriam: Compassionate Systems

    JUL 31

    Mette Miriam: Compassionate Systems

    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.

    41 min
  6. Charles Fadel: Future Proofing Education

    JUL 24

    Charles Fadel: Future Proofing Education

    How can we effectively integrate AI into education to prepare students for the future? What key competencies and character traits must education systems prioritize in a rapidly evolving technological landscape? This episode features Charles Fadel, founder of the Nonprofit Center for Curriculum Redesign and author of "Education for the Age of AI." Charles has taught at Harvard, MIT, Wharton, and the University of Pennsylvania, and has held executive roles at Cisco Systems. He brings a unique perspective from his extensive experience in both technology and education. Charles discusses the parallels between AI advancements and the early days of the internet, and the current state and future potential of AI in education. He provides an overview of his four-dimensional education model, which emphasizes knowledge, skills, character, and meta-learning, and underscores the importance of purpose, autonomy, and identity in motivating students. Charles also explores the necessity of balancing knowledge with skills and character development, highlighting the role of project-based learning in making education more relevant. He addresses the impact of university entrance exams on K-12 education and the need for modernized assessments, as well as the cultural and contextual differences in education systems globally. Furthermore, Charles delves into the importance of enabling students to apply knowledge across different contexts and disciplines, and how AI can aid in recognizing patterns and facilitating knowledge transfer. He discusses the evolution of traditional disciplines and the need for interconnected learning approaches, balancing didactic education with project-based learning for holistic development. Finally, Charles emphasizes the need for urgency in education reform and encourages educators and leaders to drive local change with a mindset of incremental improvements. Join us as we explore the future of education with Charles Fadel, delving into the integration of AI and the importance of a holistic, human-centric approach to learning. Join us as we explore the future of education with Charles Fadel, delving into the integration of AI and the importance of a holistic, human-centric approach to learning. Get in touch at hello@thelearningfuture.com; and find the transcript at our website www.thelearningfuture.com.

    47 min
  7. Rebecca Winthrop: Learner Engagement is Key to Transformation

    JUL 17

    Rebecca Winthrop: Learner Engagement is Key to Transformation

    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.

    49 min
  8. Welcome to Season 8: Louka Parry

    JUL 8

    Welcome to Season 8: Louka Parry

    Hello team and welcome back to the Learning Future Podcast! It's been quite a while since our last release, but we're excited to bring you a special episode today. We’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of Season 7, aptly titled "Education Transformed," and offering a glimpse into the exciting content we have lined up for Season 8. Season 7 Retrospective: Season 7 was an extraordinary collaboration with the international think tank, Salzburg Global Seminar. As a multiple-time fellow, I’ve witnessed firsthand their efforts to bridge divides and foster leadership globally. We kicked off the season with Dominic Regester, Director of the Center for Education Transformation at Salzburg Global Seminar. Dominic set the stage for our discussions on transforming education, moving beyond merely improving the old model to creating something fundamentally new and impactful. Throughout the season, we engaged with 20 remarkable educators, designers, innovators, and thought leaders. Highlights include: Dr. Anantha Duraiappah from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, who discussed the power of cognition and social-emotional learning. John Goodwin and Chris Purifoy from the Learning Economy Foundation, who explored the concept of a learning economy and transferable credentials. Gavin Dykes from the Education World Forum, who emphasized the importance of global collaboration in education. Professor Frank Oberklaid, a pediatrician and public health expert, who spoke on centering child well-being in education systems. Tom Vander Ark from Getting Smart, who shared insights on AI in education and the role of passion and purpose in learning. We also had enlightening conversations with educators like Franco Mosso from Enseña Perú, who dreams of a nation of young changemakers, and Romana Shaikh, who underscored the need for self-transformation for systemic change. Our discussions touched on various themes, from humanizing technology in education to fostering curiosity and resilience. The season concluded with profound reflections from Professor Stephanie Jones from Harvard's EASEL Lab and Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate. Season 8 Preview: As we look forward to Season 8, I'm thrilled to share that we have already recorded eight episodes featuring some of the world’s most insightful educators and thinkers. Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution will discuss agency and relationships in student engagement. Charles Fadel, author of "Education for the Age of AI," will delve into the implications of AI on learning. Mette Miriam Boell from MIT will share insights on building compassionate, living system-based educational models. We also have an exciting series featuring colleagues from the Stanford D School, who will present innovative approaches to creative education. Closing: Thank you so much for joining us on this journey. Your support and engagement are what make this podcast possible. If you have any suggestions or want to share your thoughts, reach out to us at hello@thelearningfuture.com or connect with us on LinkedIn at Louka Parry or The Learning Future. We’d love to hear from you and learn about your work as an educator, innovator, or leader. Until next time, thanks for listening and stay tuned for an incredible Season 8! Stay connected with us for updates and new episodes. Subscribe to the Learning Future Podcast on your favorite platform, and don’t forget to leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and bring you the best content in education transformation.

    24 min
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The world has never been changing more rapidly, dislocating the ways we work, learn and live. On The Learning Future Podcast we discuss the knowledge, skills and dispositions we all need for our learning future, exploring insights through interviews with world-class educators, researchers, policy makers, and leaders from across industries and across the world.

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