The nation’s education system has faced a multitude of obstacles throughout the past few years. From post-pandemic academic recovery to reinforcing family involvement to averting cyberthreats and school violence, these issues are coming at administrators from all angles. In order to adjust to these changes, education trends have been quickly adapting and expanding, thus making education more available and convenient for everyone.
As the new year begins, education leaders must be mindful of several key trends in order to stay ahead of the challenges currently facing the education sector. From a shift to hybrid learning to the prioritization of mental health, these trends will be influential in forming the educational landscape in 2023 and beyond. Being aware of these trends is beneficial for both educators and students as it can help create learning environments that are conducive to absorbing and conveying knowledge effectively.
Evolving Hybrid Learning Models
In 2020, the transition to online learning occurred so quickly that many students were deprived of critical learning opportunities and left educators unprepared. However, when online instruction is implemented thoughtfully, it can be advantageous for both educators and students.
In 2023, some schools will keep utilizing hybrid learning models, where some students attend classes in person, and others participate virtually. A gradual transition will allow administrators to provide the necessary technology and resources for a successful hybrid classroom. Hybrid learning gives students the autonomy to control the speed of their learning and stay on top of their progress while offering more flexibility for students, teachers, and parents.
More Emphasis on “Power Skills”
In the professional world, the vast majority of businesses recognize the value of soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. They deem them to be just as important, if not more so, than hard skills. However, these abilities are not always given much attention in the education system.
Too few students nowadays believe leadership is a necessary skill. Graduating college students are overestimating their abilities in skills such as teamwork and communication compared to how employers perceive them. To bridge this gap, schools and colleges are exploring ways to incorporate these skills into their curricula.
Educators are utilizing project-based learning to integrate these skills into students. This style of learning allows students to be more independent and strengthen skills such as interpersonal communication, decision-making, and creative thinking.
Technology Will Help Facilitate Student Engagement
Most children in the US engage in playing video games in their spare time. Technology and online education have made video gaming a part of the classroom environment. By utilizing digital or physical games, students are presented with opportunities to discover concepts in various forms. Gamification presents benefits such as a student-centered learning approach and the ability to cater to different learning styles.
When lessons include purposeful play, students are more involved. Adults who engage in online gaming are known to have heightened levels of resourcefulness, communication, and flexibility – these skills may even have a positive effect on career prospects.
Schools Will Prepare Students for Any Path Post-Graduation
About a quarter of high school students will graduate from a four-year college within six years, with the majority potentially missing out on post-graduation support if college is not the path they chose. Schools will celebrate students of all educational attainment levels and skill sets needed for the economy and will offer programs to better support those who may take non-traditional paths after graduation.
Career and technical education courses offer students a range of skills from welding and cosmetology to UX design and engineering and are often associated with STEAM classes. Companies may partner with various educational institutions to provide internships and job shadowing opportunities to students, helping to build the local workforce.
More Emphasis on the Well-Being of Students & Educators
K-12 educators have one of the most taxing jobs with the highest burnout rate in the US, where more than half of staff and faculty members intend to leave their posts within the following years. This is compounded by children and teens facing increased levels of stress, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, as well as nearly half of college students reporting anxiety and depression.
The American Academy of Pediatrics declared youth mental health a national crisis. For schools to provide the best possible support for both staff and students, they will need to implement strong mental health programs.
For example, teachers could benefit from a break during “guest teaching” periods. Students may be better supported through mental health counselors and creative techniques such as morning emotional check-ins, self-regulation kits, reset rooms, and breathing techniques.