Lab 21 – A Space for Learning, Sharing and Innovating

Abstract

AbstractSocieties everywhere are currently undergoing deep transformation, including the transition from traditional organizational structures to network structures where connected autonomous individuals are challenged to solve complex problems co-creatively and responsibly. Phenomena like the global health crisis, climate change, and the impact of digitalization are forcing governments, organizations, institutions of higher learning, and schools to re-think learning, teaching, and assessment practices in a way that they engage working learners, students, and pupils and prepare them for the future. The present paper aims to showcase a learner-centered, multi-method teaching approach, which is grounded in the principles of communities of practice, anchored in hyper-curricula for 21st century skills acquisition, and implemented in a hybrid hyper-structure for learning. This multi-method teaching approach, referred to as 2CG® method, aims to connect learners across hierarchical, cultural, and disciplinary boundaries and helps them unlock their creative potential by means of customized artistic impulses. In this paper, we look at how the 2CG® teaching approach has been implemented in Lab 21, a hybrid hyper-structure for learning that immerses learners in practice-based learning experiences so that they can develop 21st century skills while exploring new pathways of action. Practice examples demonstrate how communication skills programs, coding and media literacy programs, innovation and wellbeing programs in organizations, institutions of higher learning, and schools can serve as an effective context for this new way of learning, which lays out a human vision for education. Finally, the paper points to current limitations of the approach and makes suggestions for future research.Keywords21st century skillsCommunity of practiceHyper-structure for learning2CG® multi-method approachArtistic impulses