I came across this fantastic video that really spells out what Human Design Centered Thinking really is. It is apparent that you first really need to understand how to use this model and it isn’t going to work for everyone everywhere. This would be fantastic at a private academy that has like-minded teachers, but not for an entire school population. In my current job situation we have something called VCS (Vernon Community School) which is based on this model, and it works really well for certain learners. The struggle is how this also fits within a regular school learning traditional methods alongside. I have seen first hand that these two very different approaches do not work well together, but would do better in separate environments. The VCS kids are seen differently, treated differently, as are the teachers.
This video also points 3 very beneficial outcomes of the Human Design Centered Thinking model. The first is the ability to check assumptions which help build on new and innovative ideas before dismissing them as un-useable or undesirable. The second is that it cuts down on waste because it can streamline the way we use and spend our resources. For example, do we need 100s of textbooks? Or can we accomplish our goals with a makerspace and some Ipads. The third idea is that this model helps to create and build new partnerships bringing together new thinkers and makers. It encompasses different perspectives, cultural understandings, and creative abilities in one place allowing learners to lead with questions rather than catch all solutions.
I believe that this model can be a valuable asset to any school if executed properly, but it will take a shift in mindset and an ability to think outside the box but still retain the core values of learning outlined in the curriculum.
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