After five months together, two cohorts of school and nonprofit leaders completed their courses, learning about and applying the principles and strategies of human-centered design (HCD) in their work.
Despite the differences in format and length (one 25-hour virtual course and the other a 50-hour in-person course), participants in both classes learned about the fundamentals of HCD, specific strategies to address challenges collaboratively, and how to apply that learning in their work. Each person applied their learnings to an ongoing challenge in their school or district, leading many to recognize how HCD altered their approach to problem-solving – all to the betterment of their students and staff.
HCD, a subset of design thinking, focuses on putting people at the center of problem solving, working with them to understand and define challenges; brainstorm and prototype solutions; and test and refine designs for ongoing growth and improvement.
Participants consistently share about the positive impact the course has had on their work. This year we heard:
- “This class has given me a toolbox of strategies for complex problems.”
- “I have used this class to help my teachers better understand that failing forward is ok and [that they should] be brave enough to try, which is what we want for our students too.”
- “I was impressed by how [the instructors] reflected after each session and customized the next session, resources, and feedback based on our experience. I wish more professional learning experiences were like this. Thank you!”
- I was surprised by “the pace/length of the course…I wish it was all year!”
One of the benefits of the classes is that participants come from a variety of school administration roles (superintendents, principals, curriculum directors) and school settings, as well as from nonprofit organizations. Different perspectives and experiences enable participants to build a deeper understanding of how methods can be used and how each person is working to keep students (and other key stakeholders) at the center of their decision-making.
Dates are still being set for the next cohort for each class. Sign up to be notified directly when registration becomes available.
