Each one of us embodies the education we get. That makes schools the temples of knowledge that open the gateways to a better tomorrow. However, that is just an ideological thing right now, with the education system losing its relevance and appropriation with time. Again, with the pandemic taking the world on the roughest ride the past year, the education system has suffered even more.
That brings us to the pressing concern – Can we change the trajectory of the education system and make the most of the real-world learning experiences?
The faculty of most schools and colleges today include three generations – Gen X (who have grown with limited access to computers), the millennials (who have grown up alongside the growth of computers) and Gen Z (the ones with the world in their pockets). These three generations need to bridge the gap between themselves and the learning generation – Gen Alpha.
However, educators alone cannot take this giant leap unless they have the backing state and federal funding. Therefore, it is time for the government and educators to come together to formulate the steps – big and small – to change the teaching and learning system for the better.
So, what kind of steps to take? Schools and colleges around the world must think beyond academic changes only and focus on other things. Like what? Read on to find out!
What extra-academic steps can improve real-world learning experiences?
Even before bringing in changes in the curriculum or introducing new means of learning, educators must focus on the following things:
1: Better relationship building
Schools must take steps to build better relationships between educators and learners. Unless a student likes the environment that they are in, academic retention may go for a toss.This is why schools and colleges must create a safe space for students to make learning easier.
2: Optimize on skills and passion
Monkeys should not be asked to fly, and fishes should not be asked to climb up trees. Instead of forcing the same hodgepodge down every student’s throat, they should be given the prerogative to take classes as per their interests to explore their passion. Likewise, students should be given a partial prerogative to buy matlab assignment help when they feel that isn’t something they cannot do.
3: Practical over theory
Instead of memorizing stuff and hurling on a test paper only to forget the lessons hours later, the focus should be on practical skills that take them nearer their goals. The curriculum must give students the chance to brush up on their talents and focus on the career slope they have set foot on.
4: Grades are not that important
We have been telling the young ones for a long time now that their grades don’t define them. It is high time that the education system accepts this fact too. We certainly need a grading system, but that should not be the end-all. Schools and colleges must focus on positive developmental growth without ambushing students with sudden written tests.
5: Mental health first
Most schools and colleges give the least amount of importance to a child’s mental health. Proof – you have compulsory PE classes, but nothing to heal the mind. As the world shatters the taboo around mental health, it is time for the education system to unlearn and re-learn about the importance of mental health. Every institution must have a professional counsellor. Teachers and staff must also be trained to offer social and emotional support to young minds.
All these changes will help young adults become more proactive learners and more responsible citizens who contribute to the betterment of the world in meaningful ways.
How can we improve the academic aspect of the education system?
When we say academic, we don’t just mean students learning and scoring well. That means the role of educators goes beyond answering queries in class.
Educators must shoulder the responsibility of nudging students onto the right career path according to their skills and qualifications. Here are a few steps to take:
1: Create professional relationships
Schools and colleges canuse business partnerships programs and encourage students to intern or participate in real projects. Educators must help students realize where their passion lies, providing them with the relevant opportunities. Instead of being spoon-fed, teachers must let students take the driver’s seat to learn more about the field they want to pursue.
2: Exemplify entrepreneurship
The pandemic has shown us how unpredictable the future is and that our grades and diplomas are not as important as our life skills. So, teach kids to think independently, fend for themselves and be confident enough to stand up after a fall. Please encourage them to innovate and have the zeal to change the world with their ideas. Help them develop their creative abilities to their full potential.
3: Encourage critical thinking
How often have you been asked to solve an algebra equation when you have gone for an interview? The answer should tell you the massive gap between what we learn and what we have to do in the professional realm. This is why teachers must focus on lessons that help students sharpen their problem-solving skills. Ultimately, it is critical and analytical skills that will help students rise above the bar.
4: Understand Students’ Personalities
Every student out there is dynamic. So, herding them under the same category and teaching all of them the same thing would be a sheer waste of time. Instead, educators must take time to understand the personalities of students and their distinctive characteristics. For example, is a child an introvert, an ambivert, or extroverted? Understand your students’ unique learning needs and create a teaching style that fits them best.
5: Focus on careers
As I mentioned earlier, your responsibility as an educator doesn’t endwith teaching a lesson in class and conducting a test the next day. Go up and beyond, and train them to make intelligent decisions related to college and careers. Guide them in choosing the right program from the right college.
6: lter the college narrative
When it comes to college, the narrative about the indispensability of a college education and the prestige attached therein remains the same. However, times have changed, and there is so much to learn outside colleges as well. Therefore, it is important to inform students about the plethora of choices awaiting those for whom college may not be the best fit.
Parting thoughts,
What we teach and what they learn TODAY determines how our TOMORROW will be. You need to understand that today’s learning generation will have a tremendous impact on the economy in the coming years. Educators must consider education as an investment in human capital, which will yield better results in the days to come. Accordingly, they must take the right initiatives, along with the Student Loan support and funding of the government, to ensure every student has a successful journey.
Author Bio: Davin Tao has a Ph.D. in History and is a professor at a renowned college in the US. She is also associated with MyAssignmenthelp.com as a plagiarism checker who offers online guidance to students. In addition, Golding loves to read and travel in her free time.
