As part of the design thinking process this month, NEXTschool Innopod participants are sharing and reflecting upon stories – each other’s stories, and the stories of others – by interviewing students, graduates, teachers, counsellors, administrators, parents, commissioners and citizens from a range of communities. The interviewees are the experts of their own experience, and their willingness to share their thoughts and feelings will result in valuable and essential data to enlighten the design of NEXTschool. 

Taking an appreciative inquiry approach, the specific stories being shared revolve around ‘a peak performance’ – “a time in your school when it was at peak performance and students were developing their full potential beyond your wildest dreams.”   What was happening at that time, what were the specific qualities and assets that made this a ‘peak performance’ and what are the key components of this experience that we might consider when designing NEXTschool?  In addition, interviewees will be asked for their thoughts and ideas about one of the  STARC Sub-systems (Spatial, Temporal, Andragogical, Relational and Communal).

This empathy phase of the process allows the Innopod designers to gain novel ideas and inspiration from the very people for whom they are designing NEXTschool.  Schools are people-centered environments – and in order to re-construct the teaching and learning experience, a deeper understanding of the people and their current realities and perspectives is needed.  View Empathy to learn more about this critical aspect of the design thinking process.  

Committed to an inclusive process, the NEXTschool interviews amplify the voices of a range of stakeholders and give our designers a rich context and deep insights into people’s needs and motivations – valuable data that will be collated and synthesized to inform the design of the High School of the Future.  

Do you have a “peak performance in education” story? Share your story, insights or questions by email at nextschool@learnquebec.ca

lizfalcoNEXTschoolAs part of the design thinking process this month, NEXTschool Innopod participants are sharing and reflecting upon stories - each other’s stories, and the stories of others - by interviewing students, graduates, teachers, counsellors, administrators, parents, commissioners and citizens from a range of communities. The interviewees are the experts...