Envisioning Human-Centered
Learning Systems

Publication
November 19, 2020
By: Katherine Prince, Maria Crabtree

What would happen if we reoriented teaching and learning systems, expectations and experiences to put a comprehensive view of human development at the center?

Human-centered learning would represent a systemic shift that would align learning structures, policies, practices and learning experiences around the flourishing and well-being of the people involved in education – including students, teachers, administrators, families and community members.

Envisioning Human-Centered Learning Systems describes a bold vision for education that would enable life-affirming experiences and outcomes for everyone involved in learning systems. It expands on the human-centered learning provocation introduced in Forecast 5.0: Navigating the Future of Learning, detailing the essential elements of human-centered learning: education liberates young people to participate fully in society; schools organize for love and belonging; leadership is intentionally inclusive and co-creative; and learning becomes a lifelong personal practice.

This vision for the future of learning places the healthy development, well-being and creative potential of all people at the center of learning systems. It provides an aspirational, shared focus for meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing and uncertain future. It also provides a frame for examining our existing assumptions about learning and identifying where they might need to shift.

Among the key takeaways from Envisioning Human-Centered Learning Systems are:

  • Learn about the four essential elements of human-centered learning
  • Engage in guided reflection about the elements of this vision
  • Access bold strategic steps, along with related actions, for aligning educational systems, structures, policies, practices and learning experiences with the vision for human-centered learning systems
  • See key insights about shifting society’s collective educational vision toward a human-centered perspective in order to cultivate vibrant and responsive learning communities and learning ecosystems

Join us in imagining what this vision for the future of learning could mean – and how we might get there.

THE AUTHORS

Katherine Prince
Vice President of Foresight and Strategy
Maria Crabtree
Director of Strategic Foresight Projects

Related Resources

How New York City educators, leaders and students are innovating in response to the state’s changing graduation requirements

Laura Hilger
Senior Director of Teaching and Learning

KnowledgeWorks recommended short- and long-term actions for the new administration in four key areas

A group of educators are collaborating to create the Portrait of a Leader, a framework that shows what skills and…

Shelby Taylor
Director of Marketing and Communications

Menu

Search