The educational landscape is changing. The last major shift occurred over a century ago as schools transformed to better create a standardized workforce for industrial development. The skills required to be an efficient and productive labourer have never been the optimal skills to live a beneficent life full of purpose and wellness. The objective of education should be greater than just vocational training but even within that narrow lense of desired educational outcomes, the world is changing. The vocational skills necessary for success are becoming more soft skill focused. Working collaboratively, effective communication, critical thinking, media literacy and creative problem solving are becoming more important than ever.
To develop healthy, informed, critically thinking citizens who can stand up to fascism and stand up for their own and others’ rights, an educational system that prioritises development, social skills, and fosters the joy of learning is of paramount importance.
This is best accomplished through inquiry based learning, a diverse breadth of expectation and opportunity and effective modelling of learning strategies. Holistic development takes time, support, and relational learning. Together we can create a better society, starting by improving our educational systems.
