Transformational Learning to Resist a Transactional Mentality: Best Practices to Promote a Sense of Purpose in Young People
Education Technology
Innovation in Education
Wellness - School
March 2026 - 21CLHK
Preview:
A recent Harvard Graduate School of Education study found that 58% of young people lack a sense of purpose, reflecting a culture that prioritizes credentials and achievement over curiosity, growth, and intrinsic motivation. This workshop examines how educators can foster purpose and agency through transformational education. Participants will discuss challenges intensified by AI and transactional learning culture, and leave with a deeper understanding of purpose development, plus practical strategies and best practices to support students’ motivation, growth, and meaningful learning journeys.
Overview of workshop:
According to a recent study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, 58% of young people feel no sense of purpose, in part due to broader cultural trends that value transactional credentials and achievement over personal growth, curiosity, and individual interest. What can we do within the context of our roles as educators that best supports young people’s development of purpose and agency?
In this interactive workshop, we will explore this question through discussion, exploration, and experience-sharing centered around how transformational education, grounded in developing students’ intrinsic motivation, is essential for the healthy development of young people.
We will also discuss challenges we face due to a transactional culture that emphasizes quick wins, outward displays of accomplishment, and relentless achievement. AI, due to its ability to offer students an option to short-cut deeper learning and still complete assignments, has magnified these issues and exacerbated the trend of young people looking to avoid challenging work in favor of attaining milestones and accumulating accomplishments. This presents us with new challenges that we need to overcome with greater intentionality and care.
Through reflection and engagement with peers, you will take away concrete ideas that you can implement in your work as an educator as well as our best practices on how to facilitate a sense of purpose development in students’ learning journeys.
Conference Edition:
March 2026 - 21CLHK
March 2026 - 21CLHK
Job Role Applicability:
- School Leader
- Curriculum Director / Coordinator
- Director of Admissions / Marketing
- Head of School/Director
- Director of Professional Development
- Board Member
- Art Teacher
- Chinese Language Teacher
- Counselor
- Drama Teacher
- English/Language Arts Teacher
- Humanities Teacher
- Learning Specialist
- Teacher Librarian
- Mathematics Teacher
- Science / STEAM Teacher
- Social Studies Teacher
- Physical Education Teacher
- Modern Foreign Language
- Design & Technology
- Technology Coach
- School Support Staff
Tags:
- 21st Century Skills
- Social Studies
- Humanities
- Counseling
- Global Collaboration
- Personalized Learning
- Social Emotional Learning
Type of Session:
Presentation
Presentation
Most applicable to educators working in the following areas:
- Middle School [Age 11 - 13]
- High School [Age 14 - 17]
- Higher Education [Age 18+]
