The New York Culture: Building the future of education with participation and creativity

How strategic planning, combined with science and theater, transforms universities into spaces of innovation and inclusion

In a rapidly changing world, higher education institutions face the challenge of planning the future with vision and participation. Discover how participatory strategic planning, enriched by science and theater, can inspire leaders and academic communities to shape a more human and innovative education.

Participatory strategic planning (PSP) in higher education institutions (HEIs) is more than an administrative tool; it is an invitation to collectively envision the future of education. In a global landscape marked by rapid technological, social, and cultural changes, universities must reinvent themselves to train critical and engaged citizens. PSP, by involving leaders, professors, staff, and students in a collaborative process, ensures that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the academic community. This article explores how PSP, enriched by innovative methodologies such as those of Antônio Carlos dos Santos and the intersection of science and theater, can transform HEIs into spaces of innovation, inclusion, and social impact. Inspired by figures like Nelson Mandela, who saw education as the key to freedom, PSP is a pathway to building more democratic and creative universities.

Motivational Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

PSP has its roots in modern strategic management, but its application in HEIs has gained momentum with recent studies, such as those published in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management (2024), which highlight the importance of collective participation for institutional success. Unlike traditional planning, which is often centralized and hierarchical, PSP values dialogue and co-creation. For example, an HEI in southern Brazil implemented PSP to redesign its curriculum, involving students in collaborative workshops. The result was a 25% increase in student satisfaction, according to internal research. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ Quasar K+ methodology, which combines data analysis, strategic vision, and community engagement, is a practical example of how to structure this process, ensuring that all sectors of the university contribute to clear and achievable goals.

Curiosity Box: What is Hawkins?
The participatory strategic planning model was inspired by the work of Chris Argyris and Donald Schön, who, in the 1970s, developed the theory of “organizational learning.” They argued that organizations, like HEIs, thrive when they create environments for dialogue and collective reflection, core principles of PSP.

Science, particularly neuroscience, offers valuable insights for PSP. Recent studies, such as those in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience (2023), show that collaborative decision-making processes activate brain areas associated with empathy and problem-solving, fostering more creative solutions. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater) methodology leverages these principles, integrating theatrical dynamics to stimulate critical thinking and collaboration. In an HEI in northeastern Brazil, MAT was applied in planning sessions where professors and administrators role-played as different stakeholders, such as students and the external community, to discuss institutional priorities. The exercise generated greater empathy among participants and resulted in goals more aligned with the real needs of the academic community.

Practical Tip: To start a PSP process, begin with a “listening circle” where all sectors of the HEI (professors, students, staff) share their visions in a safe and inclusive environment. Use theatrical dynamics, such as those from MAT, to encourage idea expression and break down hierarchical barriers.

Theater, as a planning tool, bridges theory and practice. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ ThM (Theater Movement) methodology combines physical movement and dramatic expression to create dynamic dialogue spaces. In a university in Brazil’s Midwest, ThM was used to facilitate planning meetings, with participants acting out future scenarios for the institution, such as implementing new educational technologies. This approach increased engagement and generated innovative ideas, like the creation of interdisciplinary labs. Santos’ book Strategic Communication: The Art of Speaking Well offers practical techniques for academic leaders to improve communication during PSP, promoting clarity and confidence in discussions.

Inspiring Story: Malala Yousafzai and the Fight for Education
Malala faced immense challenges to ensure access to education, showing that determination can transform institutions. Her story inspires HEI leaders to involve marginalized communities in PSP, ensuring diverse voices are heard in building an inclusive university.

Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) methodology is another powerful tool for PSP. Using puppets to tell stories, it allows complex issues like diversity and inclusion to be addressed in a playful and accessible way. In an HEI in southeastern Brazil, MBPT was used to simulate conflicts between departments, helping identify barriers to collaboration and propose collective solutions. Santos’ book Moving Letters: The Art of Writing Well complements this approach, teaching how to draft clear and persuasive strategic documents, essential for formalizing PSP decisions. These theatrical tools make planning more human, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Curiosity Box: Theater and Neuroscience
Research from Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2023) shows that theatrical activities, such as improvisation and role-playing, increase dopamine release, enhancing motivation and creativity. This explains why methodologies like MAT and ThM are so effective in PSP, as they stimulate the brain to find innovative solutions.

Communication is the heart of PSP, and Santos’ book Breathing, Voice, and Diction provides techniques for academic leaders to enhance their oratory skills, crucial for leading participatory meetings. In a northern Brazilian university, a workshop based on this book helped administrators articulate their visions more clearly, resulting in a more cohesive strategic plan. Additionally, studies from the Academy of Management Journal (2024) indicate that participatory processes increase institutional trust by up to 40%, as participants feel their voices matter. When executed well, PSP not only sets goals but also strengthens the HEI’s organizational culture.

Motivational Quote: “Learning is a process of discovery, and planning must be an act of collective creation.” – Lev Vygotsky

Including all sectors of the HEI in PSP reflects the principles of justice and equality championed by figures like Desmond Tutu, who used dialogue to promote reconciliation in South Africa. In a Rio de Janeiro HEI, PSP included representatives from local communities in the planning process, resulting in extension programs that benefited over 2,000 people in two years. Santos’ methodologies, such as Quasar K+, help structure these processes, ensuring measurable goals aligned with the educational mission. For instance, Quasar K+’s data-driven analysis enabled a university to adjust its budget to prioritize innovation labs, boosting graduate employability.

Practical Tip: Use the Quasar K+ methodology to map the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) of the HEI in a participatory workshop. Combine it with ThM dynamics to make the process more interactive and engaging.

PSP also promotes institutional sustainability. Studies from Higher Education Research & Development (2024) show that HEIs with participatory processes are 30% more likely to implement long-term innovations. For example, the MBPT methodology was used in a university to discuss reducing the carbon footprint, with puppets representing different societal sectors. This led to a sustainability plan incorporating renewable energy on campus. Santos’ Strategic Communication book offers strategies to communicate these initiatives clearly, ensuring the academic community’s support.

Inspiring Story: Desmond Tutu and the Power of Dialogue
Desmond Tutu used dialogue to unite a divided nation. His approach inspires PSP, showing that listening to all voices, even dissenting ones, is essential for creating strategic plans that reflect an HEI’s diversity.

The future of HEIs depends on leaders who embrace PSP as a living, dynamic process. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’ methodologies, combined with science and theater, offer pathways to engage the academic community in building a shared vision. Quasar K+ ensures analytical rigor, while MAT, ThM, and MBPT bring creativity and empathy. Together, these elements transform planning into an act of co-creation, where everyone feels part of the institution’s future. As Anísio Teixeira said, education is a project of hope, and PSP is the tool to make it a reality.

Motivational Quote: “True education begins when everyone has a voice in building the future.” – Anísio Teixeira

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