Five Strategies for Advancing Student-Centered Innovation

student wearing mask during covid

In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan-based Future of Learning Council, share five strategies for addressing challenges revealed by the pandemic. The strategies were developed by looking at innovations policymakers and educators implemented as temporary strategies to better meet the needs of individual students. What of these temporary strategies can become… Read More ›

Education in the Balance: Tensions Affecting Education’s Future

strained systems

Education leaders at all levels need to grapple with key issues and tensions as they strive to meet learners’ needs, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to understand how to support and empower school systems in tumultuous times, we explore three topics in the series Education in the Balance: Tensions Affecting Education’s Futures: leadership… Read More ›

For Students, Lived Experience = Expertise

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As I watched the youth researchers deliver their project presentations during the conclusion of the YARI Project held in December 2020, I beamed with excitement, awe, inspiration and pride. After a formidably challenging year, to say the least, the youth researchers forged ahead and persisted to successfully complete their research projects. The final event did… Read More ›

A Need to Evolve: The Impact of Strained Education Systems

strained systems

Education systems’ capacity to address the complex problems they face is limited. Will new approaches and funding address looming challenges? Or will systems continue to rely on inadequate approaches and structures? KnowledgeWorks’ Lillian Pace, vice president of policy and advocacy, and Rita Pello, program manager for impact and improvement, join Jason Swanson, director of strategic foresight, to… Read More ›

Strategies for Making Human-Centered Learning a Reality

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Human-centered learning allows people to relate in new ways to education systems, society and the natural environment. In a recent publication, KnowledgeWorks introduces a bold, aspirational vision human-centered learning – for education that enables life-affirming experiences and outcomes for everyone involved in learning systems. The paper looks at the four essential elements of human-centered learning… Read More ›

Three Lessons From New Hampshire’s Effort to Expand Deeper Learning

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In 2019, Aurora Institute released the new definition of competency-based learning. This seven-part definition was developed with extensive support from practitioners, researchers and leaders across the country. Image courtesy of Vander Els and Stack, 2019 This updated definition reflects a deeper understanding of key issues and developments in the field. This is certainly true for… Read More ›

EdPalooza 2020

2020 has sounded an urgent call to action on behalf of students and their future. On December 1-3, 2020, Governor Jeb Bush and ExcelinEd will host EdPalooza, a thought-provoking, action-inducing virtual convening for anyone and everyone who wants to have an impact in education. Our own organization, KnowledgeWorks, will be leading a session on the… Read More ›

Glossary of Education Terms

Get definitions and explanations of commons terms and phrases used when talking about personalized, learner-centered environments.

Common terms and phrases used when talking about personalized, learner-centered environments A – E | F – J | K – O | Q – T | U- Z Agency The initiative and capacity to act in a way that produces meaningful change in oneself or the environment. (Closely related terms: ownership, student-ownership) Sources: “Anytime,… Read More ›

Exploring the Pandemic-Formed Future for Young Children

families and kids

This interactive learning and strategy session, facilitated by KnowledgeWorks’ social innovation partner Openfields and forecast partner Capita, will help you to make sense of our uncertain future, and to apply insights from Foundations for Flourishing Futures: A Look Ahead for Young Children and Families during COVID-19 and the rebuilding to come. Register

“A New Era of Learning: Futures Thinking for Education Programs”

Connect 2020

Prince’s session invites us to imagine new kinds of education structures, practices, roles, and programs that support the healthy development of young people, effective lifelong learning, and community vitality. Even as we navigate near-term disruption, five drivers of change are shaping what is possible for the future of learning. Explore how educators can keep their eyes… Read More ›