REVOLUTIONIZE EDUCATION IN THE 21st CENTURY

credit to google image

Over the past decades, we have been mass producing education that shapes individual  to the educational path which seems to focus on a general notion that is a higher socio-economic status and a decent livelihood. While we agree to the realities of succumbing to each individuals need to gain education by means to survive, it has also lead to various setbacks such as lower job performance, poor job esteem and frequent job complaints. So that question is not about getting people to the job but however helping individual find the right job. Therefore, the aim of the educational system should not only be focusing on getting individuals to the other end but the process of which each individual with different interest go through the learning experience that would help them express their interest. Sir Ken Robinson, a world-renowned education and creativity expert and a recipient of the Benjamin Franklin award emphasized the importance of encouraging divergent thinking other than the "production line" educational  process.

This theory digs into the reason why most educational institutions are often plague with diverted interest and student passive learning environment as well as frustrated educators. Most institutions have adapted a uniform process and have structured a "standard" learning expectation which have often lead to learning biases and the monotonous learning outcome that often translates to ABC and D. While this have been proven effective for quite some time and have created a means of developing excellent and standardized performance, the 21st century however calls for a shift in educational paradigm.

However, the shift in learning process and the emergence of technology as well as the availability of online learning experience and "informal" education have created an alarming issue and that is the question of how certified and qualified are we going to be when we talk about accreditation. Well, as a teacher myself, this issue would also keep me thinking but then again we are focusing on the carrots and we must remember that we are not leading horses here but strong individualized minds with a passion for different interest and that the learning process and the experience must sit on top rather than what is perceived to be the standard. As Sir Ken Robinson further emphasized that the shift must go towards the opposite direction and instead create and encourage divergent thinking. Our world is changing, the needs are changing and every demand is curtailed to each of every individuals needs and interest. This is an era of unified-diversity which can be translated to acceptance of individual differences and interest. Therefore the question really is... are we ready and willing to adapt to the challenges that comes along with these changes?

"The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise -- with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country (world)."