Newt Gingrich spoke at the National Workforce Conference about his most recent book, Real Change. His primary message was that we need to reinvent workforce education because we are trapped in structures that are not working and; we need to use technology resources to get what we need done. His speech centered around several key principles for change:
 

1. Einstein’s Philosophy of Change – “Doing more of what you are already doing and expecting a different outcome is a sign of insanity.”
2. Cheerful Persistent – In order to affect change you have to go at it with a persistent approach
3. Shift the language from “no, because” to “yes, if”
4. Create a new lifelong learning system that is focused on the learner and their style and uses brain science and a learner pull model, rather than a teacher push model
5. Incorporate a high entertainment value in your educational programs
6. Shift the focus from teaching to coaching
7. Maximize the skills of every worker in America
8. Change the income of the poor through new models that incentivize the right things and give poor people in America the drive to pursue long-term happiness

 
From a policy standpoint, Gingrich envisioned a learning process that can easily help baby boomers and others shift career fields. He felt it needed to be customer-oriented, flexible and not encumbered by college bureaucracy. Government should do fewer things and do them really well. The change needs to start at the grass roots by local citizens with the execution of pilot projects that can identify long-term solutions.
 
For more information: www.AmericanSolutions.com