#28 Design Thinking = Empathic Thinking with Liz Gallo

Liz Gallo, the founder and CEO of Why Maker, joins host Seth Fleischauer to discuss the potential to revolutionize education through the lens of design thinking. Liz outlines her vision of making education more relevant and impactful by teaching students critical problem-solving skills and fostering empathy, all while preparing them for the complexities of the modern world (including navigating the implications of AI). She details Why Maker's ambitious goal to train one million educators over the next decade, emphasizing the potential to transform classroom environments into hubs of innovation and real-world relevance. Liz's insights on integrating design thinking into various content areas beyond STEM, and the balance between direct instruction and project-based learning, highlight the adaptability and breadth of this approach.The episode delves deeper into the practical application of design thinking in education, underscoring the significance of process over product and the importance of nurturing empathetic thinkers. Liz shares how Why Maker's professional development initiatives aim to empower teachers by making them feel supported, valued, and equipped to bring about change in their teaching methodologies. This approach not only enriches the curriculum but also enhances students' readiness to tackle real-life challenges with creativity and empathy. Seth and Liz provide educators with a compelling blueprint for embedding design thinking in their classrooms, thereby paving the way for a future where education is closely aligned with the evolving demands of society and the workforce.Guest links:Liz GalloWhy Maker - http://www.whymaker.co/An Educator's Guide to Design Thinking (Liz's Book): https://a.co/d/dFCkJ2g Co-Host Links:Seth FleischauerFounder and President of Banyan Global LearningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-fleischauer/Website: https://banyangloballearning.com/Lauren PintoCofounder of Ambitious Ed, Educational Technology SpecialistLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-s-pinto/Website: https://www.ambitioused.com/