In today’s fast-paced, knowledge-based economy, the traditional approach to education is being reevaluated. Dr Dana Gampel, The DaVinci Institute’s first doctoral graduate, argues that the current system is not equipping students with the skills they need to succeed. Instead, she advocates an approach that emphasises curiosity, creativity and practical application.
DaVinci’s Uniqueness
In the last 20 years, applied learning has kept DaVinci relevant and unique from other higher education institutions. According to Dr Gampel, dependency should not be a criterion for sustainability. One needs to bring something to the economy, to the market, which can stand on its own two feet and wash one’s face.
When DaVinci was developed, it was with that kind of thinking. What can we do to create a differentiator, if you will, so that the institute can stand on its own two feet?
What do we bring that is sufficiently different from some of the other private institutions out there? Can they stand on their own two feet? A lot of them are very dependent on several other factors.
While other institutions can offer customised courses for business and can accredit them. But what makes them distinctive? It is a little according to Dr Gampel.
“An MBA is an MBA and in many cases, sadly, not worth the paper it is written on. It is formulaic. People come out with an MBA and they are all thinking the same way. What you need today, in a knowledge-based economy, is creative thinking, applied thinking. It is thinking that can solve a problem,” stated Dr Gampel.
DaVinci was built on the idea that individuals should be able to wash their own face, that is, contribute value independently without relying on external factors. This philosophy is reflected in the institute’s focus on applied learning, which encourages students to think creatively and develop practical solutions to real-world problems.
The Importance of Curiosity and Exploration
Dr Gampel highlighted the importance of curiosity and exploration in the learning process. She encourages students to ask questions, experiment and learn from failure, to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and develop critical thinking skills.
This approach is exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci, who, through his observations and experiments, was able to make groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.
Applied Learning in Action – Children In Bethel
Dr Gampel cites the example of children in Bethel, a town with a history of pumps and motor mechanics, who developed a comparative advantage in this field due to their exposure to practical skills from a young age. A natural wetland. The mines had to pump water out continuously from those shafts. It makes sense that workers who went back into those townships that were dedicated to supporting those industries knew how to do that.
She alluded that the kids used to watch. They had a comparative advantage over many of their white counterparts and over many of their African counterparts in other parts of the country when they went to school because they already had first-hand experience of how the system worked. They did not know the formula.
They did not know the first principles of engineering. But they knew that the best pump and motor mechanics were coming from there.
“This illustrates the power of applied learning, where individuals can develop expertise through hands-on experience and observation,” stated Dr Gampel.
Reforming the Education System
To create a more effective education system that is a more knowledge-based economy, Dr Gampel suggests that we need to focus on three key components that include encouraging students to take things apart and put them back together to develop a deeper understanding of how they work, developing a sense of curiosity in students allowing them to explore and learn at their own pace and providing opportunities for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, developing their problem-solving skills and creativity.
“Incorporating these elements, we can create an education system that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century and uncover their human potential,” stated Dr Gampel.
DaVinci’s Applied Learning
As DaVinci is celebrating 20 years of remarkability, Dr Gampel views the institute’s philosophy of applied learning as a relevant and powerful approach to education that can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced economy.
She emphasised that curiosity, creativity, and practical application can help develop a deeper understanding of subject matter and develop critical thinking skills. Applied learning comes from action learning.
“When kids used to watch their parents tinker with machines because they had to fix it or they were going to have to pay even worse, be disciplined. They had first-hand experience of how to do things, how to fix things, how stuff worked. Because they would sit and watch and help. Fathers and grandfathers, in many cases, it was men, not women, but later on, women also would say pass me that spanner so that I can fix this thing. Applied learning comes from action learning. It comes from watching,” stated Dr Gampel.
