Publish at January 10 2023 Updated January 10 2023
Despite the perception that it is a huge ocean liner to maneuver, the education system has been gradually transforming for decades. The introduction of technology into the classroom has gradually changed approaches and methods. Since then, digitization has continued and with it other techniques such as robotics and artificial intelligence. These changes could, in a context of thoughtful integration, revolutionize future pedagogy.
On October 5, 2022, the theme of the World Teachers' Day celebrations was "The transformation of education begins with teachers." Indeed, teachers are at the heart of the changes taking place in schools, sometimes to their chagrin when it happens suddenly without their being consulted. Think, among others, during the covid-19 pandemic that forced them to use distance learning without getting as much support as they would have liked.
The media coverage of teaching gives the impression, moreover, that teachers are a monolithic block that resists any transformation of teaching methods. Yet, one need only look at the past decade to see their hard work in bringing more concreteness to training. The classroom became much less lectured and more experimental in order to motivate learners to learn through experimentation. This culture, while not yet the norm, is increasingly seen in some proactive teachers who are developing courses and tools so that teaching is no longer just vertical.
In effect, future pedagogy would place the learner more at the center of his or her learning. He becomes, in part, responsible for the material to be acquired, for his assessments and those of others, etc. For some, moreover, teacher training should already focus on this pedagogical strategy that will meet future societal and professional needs. A changing school in would be one that will truly put the student in the driver's seat, with the teacher evolving into a co-pilot who can guide him or her through the more turbulent areas, misunderstandings, etc.
Some say that, inevitably, this transformation will be met with resistance from some. A normal reflex since we humans are resistant, basically, to change. However, it would be wrong to believe that all teachers would be against different methods. The problem arises when we ask them to make such a major paradigm shift without supporting them.
Because if teachers are the key to this evolution, they must be accompanied and supported by public authorities. Yet, even UNESCO noted on World Teachers' Day, initiatives are not keeping up and the teaching role has become increasingly thankless.
Professors from Kenya attended a 2021 debate on the issue and all pointed to, among other things, the still failing infrastructure on the African continent when it comes to digital. How do you change your education and make it modern when many classrooms and students have no access to fast internet? What's more, despite crises on the profession and shortages, public education budgets tend to shrink.
It's difficult in a context where the vocation no longer attracts as many people in many countries, including France, to ask them in addition to take part in a complete pedagogical transformation. Governments may try to offer a few monetary incentives left and right to entice some, but research shows that more is needed.
From Africa to North America, teachers demand to be supported and motivated by bodies that hold them in high regard. This means not only good working conditions but also human and technological resources to cope with modern realities in teaching. Especially if pedagogy is transforming, it would be best to include these professionals in the implementation of these new approaches, accompany them in the transition, and make modifications based on what they will notice in their practice.
Photo credit: en.depositphotos.com
References:
Darling-Hammond, Linda. "Teachers Innovating for Education Transformation." Teacher Task Force. Last updated March 25, 2022. https://teachertaskforce.org/blog/teachers-innovating-education-transformation.
de Silva, Pramod. "Teachers' Role in Transforming Education." Sunday Observer. Last updated October 2, 2022. https://www.sundayobserver.lk/2022/10/02/features/teachers%E2%80%99-role-transforming-education.
Edwards, David. "Teachers Are Ready to Transform Education - It's Time for Governments to Step Up." Education International. Last updated November 4, 2022. https://www.ei-ie.org/en/item/26816:teachers-are-ready-to-transform-education-its-time-for-governments-to-step-up.
Finley, Todd. "4 Things Transformational Teachers Do." Edutopia. Last updated July 23, 2015. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/big-things-transformational-teachers-do-todd-finley.
Fontein, Dara. "Your Guide to Transformational Leadership in Education." ThoughtExchange. Last updated August 23, 2022. https://thoughtexchange.com/blog/transformational-leadership-in-education/.
Jeannin, Laurent, and Béatrice Mabilon-Bonfils. "Debate: Facing The Teacher Shortage, Rethinking A Breathless System." The Conversation. Last updated September 11, 2022. https://theconversation.com/debat-face-a-la-penurie-denseignants-repenser-un-systeme-a-bout-de-souffle-189715.
"Education Transformation Starts With Teachers." UNESCO. Last updated October 5, 2022. https://www.unesco.org/fr/articles/la-transformation-de-leducation-commence-avec-les-enseignants.
"The Role of Teachers in Transforming Education Globally." Global Peace Foundation. Last updated December 17, 2021. https://www.globalpeace.org/news/role-teachers-transforming-education-globally.
"To Transform Education, We Need Qualified, Motivated and Supported Teachers." World Education Blog. Last updated June 30, 2022. https://world-education-blog.org/2022/06/30/to-transform-education-we-need-qualified-motivated-and-supported-teachers/.
Yermeche, Zohra. "3 top lessons from the Transforming Education Summit." Ericsson. Last updated September 22, 2022. https://www.ericsson.com/en/blog/2022/9/3-lessons-transforming-education-summit.
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