Over the most recent years, I did think about the future of education. The main theme I thought about most, involved how could government sustain an old model system, financially? In addition, with the advancements in technology, we needed to think about how best to prepare the learners for jobs of the future.
In some countries in the world, it is my understanding that education is free, and is held in high regard. I read an article a few years ago that on-line education would be the best affordable way to learn. The student would select a teacher and study with that teacher, paying the teacher only. No need for a school board, or school building to heat / air condition. In this scenario, property taxes would probably be reduced since a large portion of our taxes are directed to supporting the education system. Further, discipline would be easier and the fight for lower class sizes would not disappear - there would be no fight.
I have always been an advocate of studying with a master teacher. I often thought, would it not be great to study science with a practicing researcher? Or, would it not be great to train with an Olympic athlete? The initial early years of a young person’s education could be instructed by the parents. After the fundamentals are taught, the next step would be to select additional teachers, offered around the world. If someone wants to be a plumber, why do they have to study biology? I mean, the interest to study biology would be very low; their test scores would probably reflect the interest: low.
I read another article some time ago that offered tips to completing a job interview, successfully. What are the main things employers are looking for? One characteristic is: how well do you work in a team setting? Okay, so, there goes my idea about studying with a master teacher! School does offer many educational activities that you are expected to work with classmates to complete various projects. Another characteristic in high demand today: can you adapt efficiently and effectively to change? A third characteristic: are you demonstrating that you are a life-long learner? In addition, do you display curiosity?
We have to get comfortable with technology and worry a bit less about privacy if we are to survive this Pandemic. I think technology can and will ultimately save us. Technology will help to speed the finding of a vaccine. Technology will deliver product, will be the nurse in hospital, in dangerous situations.
We need to re-tool and retrain our work force. People need to learn new skills and our education system needs to undergo a massive change. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Throwing money at something is not the way to solve a problem. The future needs strong problem solvers; equipped with curiosity, compassion, discipline, responsibility and able to adapt to new situations efficiently and effectively.
We have always lived as people under threat. Most recently, I can remember reading about how one person could bring down an entire country (economy) using a computer, by hacking into sensitive material. In the last few years, many people have lost their privacy. This Covid 19 threat is real and it will require the entire world to work together to solve. If our World Leaders in the powerful Nations would have invested money, not in armies, but in research of an enemy far more powerful, we would have been better prepared to meet this challenge.
The education system will change; how? I’m not sure. When? I’m not sure.
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