Debunking the Classroom Myth: Embracing the Human-Centred Design Approach in Education
In education, a commonly held belief most people accept as the truth is that effective learning can only take place within the four walls of a classroom. This archaic view is deeply entrenched in our society, primarily due to our adherence to traditional models of education that have been passed down generations. Not only that, the voices that shout the loudest have been the only ones that have been heard
This ingrained belief has resulted in a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, leading to:
Example #1: Students who struggle to conform to the traditional classroom model being labelled as "slow learners" or "problematic."
Example #2: A lack of customisation in teaching methodologies, which fails to cater to the diverse learning styles and paces of individual students.
Example #3: A stifling of creativity and critical thinking, as rote learning and exam-focused teaching take precedence.
The flaw in this belief lies in its rigidity and its failure to acknowledge the human-centric aspect of learning. It also echoes the problems that Lieutenant Gilbert Daniels found in aircraft design in his research with Harvard:
When I left Harvard, it was clear to me that if you wanted to design something for an individual human being, the average was completely useless.
This is where the human-centred design approach comes into play. This approach prioritises the unique needs, capabilities, and aspirations of each learner. A study by Stanford's d.school showed that when a human-centred approach was implemented, student engagement and comprehension improved significantly.
Education is not about filling a vessel but kindling a flame (Socrates)
By shifting from the outdated 'classroom-is-king' mindset to embracing the principles of human-centred design in education, we can revolutionise the way we impart knowledge.
The first step is to recognise and appreciate the diversity among learners. This understanding should be the foundation of designing curricula and teaching strategies.
By doing this, education becomes a more inclusive and engaging experience. Students will no longer be passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. Personalised learning experiences can lead to improved comprehension, better retention, and a heightened sense of curiosity and creativity.
The days of traditional classroom-centric education are numbered.
We are already witnessing a global shift towards more flexible and personalised learning environments, spurred by technological advancements and a growing recognition of the need for reform in education. The future belongs to human-centred design in education, where every student's unique learning style is respected and catered to. This new wave of education is not only more inclusive but also more effective in preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. And that's a future worth being part of.