Beyond Pro-Cons: The Power of APE in Educational Psychology with Dr. Richard Feenstra

In this episode of Innovating Education, Dr. Riley Williams talks with Dr. Richard Feenstra, an educational psychologist with a global footprint and creator of the APE (Assess, Plan, Execute) model for decision-making. Dr. Feenstra traces his path from police officer to psychologist and explains why traditional decision-making frameworks often fall short in high-stakes, real-world environments.​The conversation unpacks the APE model as a dynamic system that links goals, context, and action, and explores what makes decision-making so challenging for learners in complex settings. Dr. Feenstra shares how he adapts his workshops for culturally diverse audiences, weaving in mental contrasting, feedback, and the right balance of reflection and execution, and offers concrete ideas for how educators and organizations can embed APE into professional learning.​Key takeaways:Why conventional, linear decision-making models often fail under pressure in real-world contexts.How the APE (Assess, Plan, Execute) model structures decision-making as an ongoing, goal-driven cycle.Common hurdles learners face when mastering decision skills—and ways to design more effective practice and feedback.How to tailor decision-making workshops and examples for culturally diverse groups.Practical entry points for integrating the APE model into leadership development, classroom instruction, and organizational PD.Connect with Dr. Richard Feenstra:Website: https://www.richardfeenstra.com/