In its effort to redefine educational paradigms, NTU D-School has spearheaded the innovative “Exploratory Learning Program” as a key element of their transformative “Future University” project. This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind in Taiwan, empowering students to delve into several fields while pursuing their academic journey without interruptions.
Prof. Ruby Yun-Ju Huang, the Director of D-School’s Social Innovation Research Center, borrows a marketing slogan to inspire students, “No matter how brave you are, you will tremble before taking a new step.” With those words, she encourages students to transcend traditional educational boundaries by transforming the whole world into their classroom. By participating in such pursuits as sailing, dance troupes, backpacking, and more, students not only explore the world but also rediscover and rekindle their original motivation for learning.
This narrative of transformation resonates with Jamie Lin, Chairman and Partner of AppWorks, who shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey garnered during his junior year in NTU’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Lin’s million-dollar dream-come-true grant, Jamie’s Gapyear Program, is a real testament to the transformative power of education intertwined with real-world experiences. He stresses the importance of passing on this legacy by guiding aspiring entrepreneurs as they forge unconventional paths of their own toward innovation and personal growth.
Prof. Benson Yeh, the former associate dean of D-School, advocates taking a nuanced approach to education, urging students to discover their passion and unlock their potential through exploration. Stressing the significance of self-discovery over predefined outcomes, Prof. Yeh underscores the value of personalized learning experiences. Addressing parents, he always underscores the crucial role of nurturing resilience in the face of adversity, a spirit of courageous exploration in their children.
Reflecting on NTU’s commitment to fostering the students’ individuality and unleashing their potential, Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Hung-Jen Wang emphasizes the university’s dedication to offering flexible learning structures that cater to the students’ diverse needs. By nurturing a culture of self-discovery and the pursuit of dreams, NTU aspires to inspires individuals to boldly enter and embrace their singular paths toward fulfillment and success.
Building a wonderful life with exploratory learning.
Prof. Ruby Yun-Ju Huang encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones.
Give yourself space to be yourself.
