Evolutionary Learning Ecosystems for Thrivable Futures: Crafting and Curating the Conditions for Future-Fit Education

Abstract

This paper explores the shifting dynamics in our Learning Landscapes as pressure for deep systemic change mounts. Concepts of future-fit learning and future-creative competencies are introduced as part of a new narrative for new educational paradigms. A Protopia of Evolutionary Learning Ecosystems (ELEs) is proposed. The emergence of ELEs is more likely to curate and foster a thrivability world during those times of growing pressures. Six integral levels of wellbeing for thrivability are postulated, and the role of education to integrate them in the development of future-fit competencies is considered. These competencies are further explored through five evolutionary archetypes.

Keywords:

• Evolutionary archetypes
• Evolutionary Learning Ecosystems
• future-creatives
• future-fit education
• thrivable protopias

Notes

Notes

1 Affordances refer to present conditions that the environment offers for future states or action outcomes to aim for, and qualities that are inherent in a situation or in an object’s sensory characteristics that permit specific kinds of uses. The presence and discovery of affordances by young children also act as attractors by stimulating exploration that promotes learning and development via exploration (Gibson & Pick, 2000). Similarly, anything that serves as an invitation or state attractor for organizing behavioral patterns can also be thought of as an affordance (Smitsman et al., 2018).

2 This figure is based on calculations by late Akop Nazaretyan (2016) who takes into account probability of “civilizational collapse” and “die out” scenarios, estimated by various scholars at 50% and 20%, respectively.

3 The explorative scenario presented is based on current real-life practice and evolutionary learning partnerships.