In many ways, today’s system is better than the traditional one. Technology is the biggest change and the greatest advantage at the same time. Various devices, such as computers, projectors, tablets and smartphones, make the process of learning simpler and more fun. The Internet gives both students and teachers access to limitless knowledge.
However, this is not the perfect educational system. It has several problems, so we have to try to improve it.
- Problem: The Individual Needs of Low-Achievers Are Not Being Addressed
Personalized learning is the most popular trend in education. The educators are doing their best to identify the learning style of each student and provide training that corresponds to their needs.
However, many students are at risk of falling behind, especially children who are learning mathematics and reading. In the USA, in particular, there are large gaps in science achievements by middle school.
Solution: Address the Needs of Low-Achievers
The educators must try harder to reduce the number of students who are getting low results on long-term trajectories. If we identify these students at an early age, we can provide additional training to help them improve the results.
- Problem: Overcrowded Classrooms
In 2016, there were over 17,000 state secondary school children in the UK being taught in classes of 36+ pupils.
Solution: Reduce the Number of Students in the Classroom
Only a smaller class can enable an active role for the student and improve the level of individual attention they get from the teacher.
- Problem: The Teachers Are Expected to Entertain
Today’s generations of students love technology, so the teachers started using technology just to keep them engaged. That imposes a serious issue: education is becoming an entertainment rather than a learning process.
Solution: Set Some Limits
We don’t have to see education as opposed to entertainment. However, we have to make the students aware of the purpose of technology and games in the classroom. It’s all about learning.
- Problem: Not Having Enough Time for Volunteering in University
The students are overwhelmed with projects and assignments. There is absolutely no space for internships and volunteering in college.
Solution: Make Internships and Volunteering Part of Education
When students graduate, a volunteering activity can make a great difference during the hiring process. In addition, these experiences help them develop into complete persons. If the students start getting credits for volunteering and internships, they will be willing to make the effort.
- Problem: The Parents Are Too Involved
Due to the fact that technology became part of the early educational process, it’s necessary for the parents to observe the way their children use the Internet at home. They have to help the students to complete assignments involving technology.
What about those parents who don’t have enough time for that? What if they have time, but want to use it in a different way?
Solution: Stop Expecting Parents to Act Like Teachers at Home
The parent should definitely support their child throughout the schooling process. However, we mustn’t turn this into a mandatory role. The teachers should stop assigning homework that demands parental assistance.
- Problem: Outdated Curriculum
Although we transformed the educational system, many features of the curriculum remained unchanged.
Solution: Eliminate Standardised Exams
This is a radical suggestion. However, standardised exams are a big problem. We want the students to learn at their own pace. We are personalizing the process of education. Then why do we expect them to compete with each other and meet the same standards as everyone else? The teacher should be the one responsible of grading.
- Problem: Not All Teachers Can Meet the Standards of the New Educational System
Can we really expect all teachers to use technology? Some of them are near the end of their teaching careers and they have never used tablets in the lecturing process before.
Solution: Provide Better Training for the Teachers
If we want all students to receive high-quality education based on the standards of the system, we have to prepare the teachers first. They need more training, preparation, and even tests that prove they can teach today’s generations of students.
- Problem: Graduates Are Not Ready for What Follows
A third of the employers in the UK are not happy with the performance of recent graduates. That means the system is not preparing them well for the challenges that follow.
Solution: More Internships, More Realistic Education
Practical education – that’s a challenge we still haven’t met. We have to get more practical.
The evolution of the educational system is an important process. Currently, we have a system that’s more suitable to the needs of generations when compared to the traditional system. However, it’s still not perfect. The evolution never stops.
Author Bio: Chris Richardson is a journalist, editor, and a blogger. He loves to write, learn new things, and meet new outgoing people. Chris is also fond of traveling, sports, and playing the guitar. Follow him on Facebook and Google+.