Kind vs. Wicked Learning Environments: A New Perspective on Education

Hi Friends!

I've recently stumbled upon a concept that's got me thinking deeply about how we learn and adapt in different environments. It's called the "kind and wicked learning environment" theory, popularized by Robin Hogarth. Today, I want to share this idea with you and some initial thoughts I've had about it.

The theory suggests that there are two main types of learning environments:

It's important to note that this isn't a black and white distinction. Most environments fall somewhere on a spectrum between kind and wicked.

This concept has me pondering a question I'm sure many of us have grappled with: Does achieving good grades in school truly prepare us for life after graduation?

On one hand, school provides a relatively kind learning environment. We have clear deadlines, consistent feedback through grades, and well-defined rules. But the workplace, especially in fields like entrepreneurship or healthcare, often presents a much more wicked environment.

I'm still wrapping my head around the implications of this. How do we bridge the gap between these different learning environments? How can we better prepare ourselves and others for the "wicked" realities of many professional fields?

I don't have all the answers yet, but I'm finding this framework incredibly useful for understanding the challenges we face when transitioning from education to professional life.

I'm curious about your thoughts. Have you noticed differences in how you learn and adapt in different environments? How do you think your educational experiences prepared you for your current work?

Until next time, keep learning – in both kind and wicked environments!

Kevin Ng

P.S. Sometimes, recognizing the type of environment we're in is the first step to adapting successfully. What kind of learning environment are you in right now?