Cultivating Program Designers through the Wandering Challenge Learning Course

The Japan-based organization, Willdoor, has officially launched its program titled Wandering Challenge Learning Course, aiming to train new program designers in the field of educational experiences. This initiative invites participants to master the art of crafting learning programs through a unique combination of experiential learning and design practices while incorporating elements of gamification.

What is the Wandering Challenge?

Founded in 2013 by the NGO City Wanderer in Taiwan, the Wandering Challenge is an experiential game event where teams of three take on various missions based in daily life contexts. Throughout a specified period, teams compete by completing the maximum number of missions. This engaging event has expanded to include 22 cities across Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong, attracting over 10,000 young participants. As the program's Japanese partner, Willdoor has been instrumental in implementing these experiences across Japan, leveraging their valuable expertise.

Course Features

The course is uniquely designed to empower learners by giving them ownership of their learning process. It aims to teach program design skills that encourage students to think critically and act intentionally. By systematically studying the design philosophy of the award-winning Wandering Challenge, participants will develop skills in facilitation and program design while nurturing a supportive mindset essential for being an effective collaborator.

The course employs a flipped learning approach, combining in-person lessons with e-learning modules. The initial phase focuses on experiential learning through the Wandering Challenge, while the latter half offers participants hands-on practice in designing workshops and programs. This structure enables them to create innovative program ideas that can be immediately applied in their environments, making learning enjoyable and interactive.

High school and university students are welcome to engage in this immersive workshop. Collaborative efforts with peers deepen the learning experience, and participants can utilize Willdoor’s extensive network to conduct real-time workshops with actual youth audiences, receiving immediate feedback and gaining fresh perspectives from young stakeholders. Notably, high school and university students will be invited to provide feedback, allowing them to actively contribute to the learning process.

Videos showcasing the Wandering Challenge in action will also be part of the course, giving participants a clear picture of what to expect.

Benefits of the Course

Participants will gain valuable skills in program design that emphasize learning through play. Specific skills include creativity in idea generation, effective expression, and reflection abilities—all crucial for creating engrossing learning experiences. Moreover, they will learn how to promote learner autonomy and engagement, shifting from a teaching perspective to one of designing meaningful learning opportunities.

Upon completion, participants will leave with an original program concept tailored to their unique contexts. This tool is designed for practical application, enabling them to develop engaging programs for corporate training or local community activities.

Graduates from the course will join a community of practitioners, allowing ongoing exchange of ideas and collaboration on future projects. They can continually improve their skills by integrating best practices from different regions.

The theoretical backbone of this course is rooted in the Sense of Purpose, a concept put forward by William Damon of Stanford University. The missions participants engage in during the program are strategically designed to cultivate a sense of future direction among youth.

Course Details

The course adopts a hybrid format, combining in-person instruction at SHIMOKITA COLLEGE in Setagaya, Tokyo, with online learning. For additional information about the schedule and details, please refer to the official website.

Instructor

Kazuhira Takeda, Co-Representative of Willdoor, oversees the program. With a background growing up in Chitose and Fujisawa, and a master's degree from Keio University, he founded Willdoor in 2015. Through various collaborations with educational institutions, NGOs, and local governments, he has focused on creating environments where every single middle and high school student can learn, choose, and grow with freedom. Kazuhira has represented Japan at the Global Shapers Community and the Davos Youth Meeting, emphasizing his commitment to transformative educational practices.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for educators looking to foster student autonomy, professionals eager to enhance career education, and anyone interested in creating participant-centered experiences in workshops and community initiatives. From beginners to experienced facilitators, all are encouraged to apply.

Pricing

- Standard Enrollment: ¥165,000
- Early Bird Discount (Until 11/2): ¥150,000 (Limited to first three registrants)
- Super Early Bird (First three registrants): ¥125,000
- First Penguin (Limited to one): ¥99,000
- Desire to Implement Wandering Challenge (Approval Required, Limited to two): ¥50,000
- Group Registration for Three: ¥360,000 (¥120,000 per person)
- Student Discount (Under 25): ¥50,000 (First two only)
- Student Internship Positions (Free for up to two selected individuals)

Application Method

Applications can be submitted via the Peatix event page. Hurry, as spaces are limited to 12 participants, with a minimum of 2 required for the course to proceed.

Contact Information:
For inquiries regarding the program, please reach out to the Wandering Challenge Learning Course Office at [email protected].