The 3 Critical Demands of Today’s Education

The demands of today no longer requires factory workers, who are able to just abide instructions and stick to a fixed routine. With buzzwords like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning becoming an everyday affair, the education system needs to have a shift to produce talents who are able to adapt to the multi-faceted needs of the current economy. Singapore is no exception.

Singapore’s education is shifting from a more knowledge-focused track to a softer, more experiential nature. In place of graded assessments and exams for primary school and secondary school students, MOE is freeing up three weeks of curriculum time every two years. This additional time can be used by students to pursue other activities and projects that catch their interest.

Methods of learning can also be revisited to adapt to the new norm. Applied and inquiry-based learning such as brainstorming and experiential learning are different ways to absorb information. This can make a person a complete life-learner beyond just the grades.

To facilitate this shift, educators and parents both have a part to play.

Educators need to help students build empathy in their everyday student life. For instance, expanding a child’s horizons through pairing him/her up with students from other diverse background. Educators should also be responsible to translate the education world into the business world – where the job market is constantly being replaced by high-wage, high-skill jobs that demand more out of employees.

Parents need to instil a lifelong learning attitude amongst their children from young. They should work with teachers and social circles to let their child explore areas beyond their academic life.