Dr. Curtis Clarke - Reshaping Education: Embracing Change

Dr. Curtis Clarke joins us to discuss the urgent need to adopt new models of learning. Dr. Clarke has served in Alberta Public Service roles, including Deputy Minister of Advanced Education, K-12 Education, and Solicitor General. He was also Assistant Deputy Minister of Alberta Correctional Services and Cabinet Policy Coordinator. Clarke shares what the emergence of mid-career learners means for education and what’s wrong with the “learn and pray” model educational institutions have relied on traditionally.

Highlights from our conversation include:

1. Adaptive models of learning need to meet students, especially mid-career learners, where they are. Universities need to consider how they can assess a learner’s competencies and make informed recommendations for future learning.

2. Through curriculum co-development alongside industry partners, learners can engage with sectors that are part of the workforce they will move into.

3. Policy structures have tied university funding to the ability to attract students, but changing dynamics need to incentivize building partnerships that better serve students of all backgrounds. 

Hosts: Jeremy Strachan