In this episode of EpNex: Education 360, host Melody Su sits down with Len Loving, an educator with nearly 30 years of experience at the crossroads of education and culture. Len shares his personal journey from the U.S. to Japan, exploring how living abroad has shaped his educational philosophy. Together, they delve into the power of self-directed learning, project-based education, and how cultural differences impact learning environments.

Len also sheds light on navigating Japan’s educational landscape, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. The discussion touches on epistemology—understanding how learners absorb information—and how this plays into the future of education, especially in the context of rapid technological advances like AI.

Key takeaways:

• The value of self-directed learning and project-based education.
• Cultural influences are key to shaping educational approaches.
• Epistemology plays a crucial role in understanding how learners process information.
• Humility and adaptability are essential in the face of technological change.
• AI’s impact on education requires thoughtful implementation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Len Loving and His Journey

10:43 Pivotal Moments in Len's Educational Philosophy

22:47 Cultural Influences on Education in Japan

24:23 Empowering a New Generation of Learners

25:29 Navigating Identity in Japan

34:46 The Role of Epistemology in Learning

39:16 Advice for Entering the EdTech Space

43:05 Exploring Facilitation Techniques for the Global South

Resources:

• Deep Utopia by Nick Bostrom
• Super Intelligence by Nick Bostrom
• Free to Learn by Peter Gray
• Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark

Connect with us:

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Melody Su | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

Len Loving | ⁠LinkedIn⁠