First-of-its-kind course on public problem solving
"Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society.” –The Late Member of Congress John Lewis
In this time of great challenges, our democracies urgently need to produce citizens who can move from demanding change to making it. But the skills for doing so are not innate, they are learned.
This twelve-part program trains participants in the equitable innovation skills needed to become more effective and legitimate changemakers.
With a combination of video tutorials, readings, self-assessments, interactive exercises and worksheets, this course combines the teaching of quantitative and qualitative methods with participatory and equitable approaches for tapping the collective wisdom of our communities to solve public problems.
You will learn how to break intractable issues into manageable problems to tackle and how to use data and collaboration to understand those problems. You will learn techniques for conducting rapid evidence reviews and mobilizing people to identify what works. You will also learn how to design experiments, pilots and partnerships to implement a shared solution more effectively and legitimately. The program includes practical advice on how to persuade the many people who need convincing along the way as one crosses the chasm from idea to implementation.
First-of-its-kind course on public problem solving
Combines quantitative and qualitative methods
Emphasizes people-centered and data-driven ways of working
Free online course
Flexible and self-paced
Lectures, interviews, readings, and self-assessments
Approximately 12 hours to complete
Optional GovLab Certificate upon completion (for a small fee)
Each session features interviews with problem solvers from government agencies, non-profits, schools, and community organizations, all working to change the world.
The GovLab's mission is to improve people's lives by changing the way we govern using new technology. The GovLab's goal is to strengthen the ability of public institutions and people to work more effectively and legitimately to make better decisions. We measure the success of Solving Public Problems, not by the number of people who sign up, but by your downstream success helping others.
**Please note that Solving Public Problems does not earn NYU course credit.
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