Future of Education Need for a Paradigm Shift

Future of Education Need for a Paradigm Shift Garry Jacobs

Educational Time Warp � Education passes on to the next generation the cumulative knowledge of society acquired in the past in a concentrated and abridged form. � Technology, globalization and social evolution are advancing so rapidly that the past is a poor marker for future needs. � Employment in future will differ so widely from what pertains today that most of the information and skills imparted will have little relevance. � Social adjustment and citizenship in future will also demand a different set of skills, attitudes and values. � Regardless of how the future unfolds, people will Self-reliant individual initiative, collaborative work, self-employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and life-long learning in all fields

Critical Questions � Pedagogy – How should we educate youth to prepare for the challenges, opportunities & uncertainty of a rapidly evolving social context? � Content – What should we educate for that will be valuable regardless of the nature and magnitude of the changes that take place?

Paradigm Shift in Pedagogy A change in teaching methods to support shift � From competitive to collaborative learning � From passive to active learning � From transfer of mental knowledge to development of the whole person � From information to values standardized competencies to customized, creative individuality

Paradigm Shift in Content � Abstract knowledge � Reductionist thinking � Fragmented & compartmentalized � Mechanistic � Objective facts � Dualities & contradictions � Understanding & critical analysis � Contextual knowledge � Integrated thinking � Interdisciplinary & transdisciplinary thinking � Organic thinking � Include subjective reality � Complementarity � Independent thinking, creativity & imagination

Education for Accomplishment � Accomplishment is a process applicable to all fields of human activity. � Education should develop the capacity of students for accomplishment in all fields. � Its essential determinates are awareness, aspiration, energy, goals, organization, skills, attitudes, leadership and knowledge of life. � Values are the quintessence of humanity’s knowledge regarding sustained accomplishment.