Education and professional training have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to society’s new demands and challenges. In the context of the “New Normal,” driven by climate change, pandemics, and digital transformation, there arises the need to reimagine the learning process. An emerging concept that is gaining prominence is “circular learning,” inspired by the principles of the circular economy.
A) From Traditional Learning to Circular Learning
Historically, learning was viewed as a linear and directed process, where individuals went through stages of formal education followed by a stable career. Over time, the idea evolved to the “learning organization,” where organizations encouraged the continuous development of their employees to remain competitive. Today, we are in the era of “Lifelong Learning,” where education is seen as a continuous process that extends throughout a person’s life.
Circular learning takes this concept forward, promoting a more sustainable and adaptable training model. Just as the circular economy aims to reduce waste and maximize resource reuse, circular learning seeks to create a continuous cycle of knowledge and skill acquisition, application, and renewal.
B) Analogy Between Circular Economy and Circular Learning
To better understand circular learning, it is useful to draw a parallel with the phases of the circular economy:
1. Sustainable Design and Production:
- Circular Economy: Products are designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability.
- Circular Learning: Learning is planned to be continuous and adaptable, focusing on acquiring skills that can be updated and improved over time.
2. Use and Maintenance:
- Circular Economy: Products are used for a long period with regular maintenance to extend their useful life.
- Circular Learning: Acquired knowledge and skills are applied and kept updated through constant practice and continuous education.
3. Reuse and Recycling:
- Circular Economy: Products at the end of their useful life are recycled or reused to create new products.
- Circular Learning: Previous learning is revisited and updated, allowing old knowledge to be recycled and applied to new situations.
4. Adoption of Innovative Technologies:
- Circular Economy: New technologies are adopted to improve efficiency and sustainability.
- Circular Learning: Generative AI is integrated to personalize learning, offering content and feedback adapted to learners’ individual needs.
C) Knowledge Management and Second Brain in Circular Learning
In the context of circular learning, knowledge management and the concept of “Second Brain” must evolve from a static storage view to a dynamic view of reuse, adaptation, and application. Knowledge management becomes an active process, where knowledge is constantly updated and applied in new situations.
1. Dynamic Knowledge Management:
Instead of simply storing information, organizations should encourage continuous updating and practical application of knowledge. Generative AI tools can help identify which knowledge needs to be renewed and how it can be applied more effectively.
2. Evolutionary Second Brain with AI:
The concept of “Second Brain,” that is, a personal knowledge repository, must evolve to support information recycling. The “Second Brain” must be capable of integrating new learning and adapting existing knowledge to solve new problems.
Principles of Circular Learning
1. Continuous Knowledge Acquisition:
Encourages individuals to constantly seek new information and skills, not just at specific moments, but throughout their entire professional and personal life.
2. Practical Application:
Acquired knowledge should be immediately applied in the work environment or in practical situations, allowing rapid experimentation and adjustment of learned concepts.
3. Renewal and Updating:
Just as in the circular economy, where products are recycled and reused, circular learning emphasizes the importance of updating and renewing knowledge to remain relevant in a constantly changing world.
4. Adoption of Generative AI:
The incorporation of generative AI (Thematic LLMs) in the circular learning process can transform the way knowledge is acquired and applied. These technologies allow learning personalization, providing specific and relevant content for each individual, based on their needs and interests.
D) Benefits of Circular Learning
1. Adaptability:
In a scenario where changes are rapid and frequent, the ability to adapt becomes crucial. Circular learning prepares individuals to quickly adjust to new situations and challenges.
2. Professional Sustainability:
Promotes career sustainability, ensuring that professionals’ skills and knowledge are always updated and aligned with market needs.
3. Engagement and Motivation:
Encourages continuous engagement with the learning process, keeping professionals motivated and curious to explore new areas of knowledge.
4. AI-Enhanced Efficiency:
Generative AI can optimize the learning process, providing immediate feedback, identifying knowledge gaps, and suggesting additional study materials.
E) Implementation of Circular Learning
To implement circular learning, it is essential to create an environment that supports and encourages continuous learning. Some strategies include:
- Digital Learning Platforms: Utilize platforms that offer access to a wide range of courses and educational resources, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and according to their needs.
- Organizational Learning Culture: Foster an organizational culture that values and rewards continuous learning, encouraging employees to share knowledge and experiences.
- Mentoring and Learning Networks: Establish mentoring programs and learning networks where professionals can exchange ideas, receive feedback, and collaborate on joint projects.
- Integration of Generative AI: Incorporate generative AI tools that can provide personalized materials, virtual tutoring, and real-time performance analysis, adapting educational content to individual needs.
F) The Future of Education in the New Normal
As we advance in the new normal, circular learning becomes an increasingly relevant and necessary approach. It not only promotes adaptability and professional sustainability but also prepares individuals for a future where continuous learning and knowledge renewal are essential.
In conclusion, circular learning offers an innovative and sustainable vision for education and training in the new normal. By adopting this approach, and with the support of generative AI, individuals and organizations can better prepare to face the challenges of a constantly transforming world, ensuring a continuous cycle of personal and professional growth and development.
Text from The New Normal Newsletter – https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/o-novo-normal-7200542437621059585/
