About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Bridging theory and practical application has been an age-old struggle in higher education, but AI-infused learning could challenge some of our outdated learning models. Ray speaks with Dr. Brad Fuster, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at San Francisco Bay University, about the transformative Agility Praxis Pathways (APP) model. They explore how APP is reshaping student learning, the role of AI in curriculum design, and the challenges of hiring faculty to fit this innovative model.
Join us as we discuss:
- [1:26] How the APP model brings real-world disciplines into the classroom
- [9:28] Weighing intellectual and social friction with psychological safety
- [14:20] Employer feedback on APP and finding suitable faculty
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Key Takeaways
- A New Core Curriculum Model: The APP model replaces the standard general education curriculum with 10 interdisciplinary courses focused on real-world application, critical thinking, and leadership.
- "Think, Do, Create" Framework: Students progress through a structured learning journey—conceptualizing ideas, engaging in hands-on activities, and creating impactful solutions.
- AI-Integrated Learning: SFBU has designed an AI-powered learning assistant (ALMA) to provide students with Socratic, real-time feedback and facilitate continuous improvement.
- Bridging Academia and Industry: The curriculum was developed with input from industry leaders and HR professionals, ensuring students gain the durable skills employers seek.
- Faculty Innovation and Training: SFBU has launched the Center for Empowerment and Pedagogical Innovation (CEPI) to equip faculty with mandatory pedagogical training, fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
What is the Agility Praxis Pathway (APP) Model?
SFBU’s Agility Praxis Pathway (APP) is a revolutionary take on general education, designed to blend theory with practice and prepare students for a dynamic workforce. Unlike traditional core curricula that separate subjects into isolated disciplines, APP courses combine multiple knowledge areas with practical skills. Each course is titled with a “How to” question, such as:
- How to Tell Your Story (writing and communication)
- How to Design Your Life (philosophy and design thinking)
- How to Lead (history and leadership)
- How to Use Math in the Real World (applied quantitative reasoning)
- How to Be Creative in Partnership with AI (machine learning and innovation)
This structured yet flexible model ensures that students not only gain knowledge but also know how to apply it in real-world contexts.
How Does APP Use AI to Enhance Learning?
Unlike many institutions that retrofit AI into existing programs, SFBU built AI into the APP model from the ground up. The university has developed ALMA, a proprietary multi-agent AI learning assistant, which serves as a personalized Socratic tutor for students.
- ALMA doesn’t give answers—it asks questions. It guides students through learning by prompting deeper reflection and pointing them to relevant course material.
- Faculty receive real-time insights into student comprehension, allowing them to adjust instruction based on learning gaps.
- Assignments explicitly integrate AI, teaching students how to effectively collaborate with technology.
By embedding AI into coursework, SFBU ensures students gain critical digital literacy skills that will set them apart in the job market.
How Does APP Address Social and Intellectual Friction?
One of the most innovative aspects of the APP model is its emphasis on increasing intellectual friction while decreasing social friction—a concept inspired by psychological safety researcher Timothy Clark. This approach is particularly relevant in today’s polarized social and political climate.
- Students engage in open, yet respectful, debates about challenging topics, including leadership ethics and social movements.
- Psychological safety is prioritized—faculty undergo training to foster inclusive and constructive discussions.
- Real-world case studies and AI simulations help students interact with historical and modern leaders, such as Napoleon, Machiavelli, and Colin Kaepernick, to analyze different leadership styles.
This model encourages critical thinking and self-awareness, helping students develop leadership skills that translate directly into the workforce.
What Do Employers Think About the APP Model?
SFBU co-designed the APP model with input from 47 leading companies, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills employers actually need.
- Technical skills alone aren’t enough. Employers emphasize the importance of soft skills like leadership, adaptability, and communication—which APP deliberately cultivates.
- The program emphasizes “durable skills.” While tech skills evolve, qualities like critical thinking, empathy, and problem-solving remain invaluable.
- SFBU is helping students become future-proof. The workforce is shifting rapidly due to AI and automation, and APP is designed to help students adapt to new challenges with agility.
How is SFBU Training Faculty for this Shift?
Unlike many universities that hire faculty based solely on research expertise, SFBU is deliberately recruiting educators who embrace interdisciplinary teaching. The Center for Empowerment and Pedagogical Innovation (CEPI) provides faculty with:
- Mandatory pedagogical training (a rarity in higher ed).
- Common teaching methodologies, ensuring students experience consistency across APP courses.
- Strategies for fostering engagement and psychological safety, allowing students to confidently share personal experiences and ideas.
By prioritizing faculty development, SFBU is ensuring that students receive a high-quality, innovative learning experience that aligns with the needs of today’s workforce.
Connect With Our Host:
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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