Education and the Learning Crisis
The modern process of formal, structured education has a tendency to be more about schooling than education. We often neglect experience, which can be damaging and mis-educative, and thereby arrest further growth. Education, in this way, can drift into containment and entertainment, where involvement in immediate activity is the primary concern and horizon-expanding is neglected. However, such an approach is inextricably linked to a learning crisis.
a planned, organised and formalised process
It is often said that education is a planned, organised, and formalised process. Education is a structured process that promotes human potential by fostering the development of skills and knowledge. In our knowledge-based society, education is a critical part of social development. The pace of change and social ties is accelerating, and education should be able to lay the foundations for the new social order. Competence is a critical feature of an orientation, and it requires a radical rethink of education models to reflect its true function. Students of the knowledge-based society must be able to adapt to multiple contexts, live in complexity, and embrace continuous innovation.
a conversational rather than curricula form of education
A conversational rather than curricula form of educational practice is the opposite of a traditional curriculum. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, many publications attest to the importance of curricula within higher education. During this period, curricula were viewed as academic constructs and as the historical medium for the transmission of cultural themes. Today, however, this model is becoming more challenging to practice.
a dialogical rather than curricula form of education
A dialogical rather than a curriculum form of education is a form of education that focuses on fostering higher levels of reasoning, development, and learning. It applies these principles to education by creating dialogic spaces where students and adults can interact. For instance, a dialogic literary gathering can include adults in the literacy process and school children in a discussion about a literary piece. But the idea is not limited to such activities.
a learning crisis has emerged across the globe
There is no doubt that the digital age has changed our lives in many ways, including education. Yet, it is the learning crisis that has emerged across the world that has caused so much trouble. What can be done about it? And how can edtech contribute to solving this global problem? Read on to find out more. Posted in: Education
a learning crisis is a contributor to peace in societies
Education plays a crucial role in building peace. The Positive Peace Index lists education as one of the 24 indicators that lead to improved peace. Education contributes to peace by transforming political institutions, social integration, and economic growth. Nevertheless, there are also instances where education policies and practices contribute to conflict. Education policy and practice should be inclusive, affordable, and accessible for all people. Educational policies should also be geared towards addressing inequality and providing equal opportunities to marginalized groups.
a learning crisis is a contributor to poverty
The UNESCO Institute of Statistics estimates that 617 million children worldwide are not learning. Of these children, almost half live in the G20 countries (a grouping of 19 countries). In Central and Southern Asia, the learning crisis is particularly acute. Nearly 80% of adolescents in the region are not reading at a minimum proficiency level. This has serious implications for countries seeking to reduce poverty through education. In addition, the learning crisis is a contributor to the growing human capital deficit.