Perspectives Of The Educational System

1. The educational system is largely influenced by what economists term as the human capital model of education.

In short, students are educated to help improve their capacities and capabilities for gainful employment and employability.

In the new economy, its hard to predict the changes in the jobs market.

Also, we cannot train our people just for a specific profession or career.

Educational institutions need to help our people inculcate different building blocks of knowledge and skills to thrive in their chosen careers.

They should also be trained to succeed in multiple careers and at different organisations and locations in the new world.

2. Many educational institutions are structured according to different schools of practice.

This system of practice was started during the Industrial Age.

However, in the new economy, we need to train our students to operate in a multidisciplinary, multidimensional and multifaceted way so as to function as problems solvers and solutions providers.

3. We need to also move further away from what educators call the factory model system.

This system is characterized by centralized planning, top-down management, classroom-centric learning, assessment-based outcomes, and separation from the community and industry.

In this regard, teachers should shift from being inclined to transferring content knowledge to helping our people become self-directed learners through practical and hands-on project-based learning activities.

They have to train them to learn on their own and apply evolving knowledge to achieve sustainable success.

4. While students should be developed to become an important part of the economy, we should not lose sight of the primary focus of education.

We need to develop students to become a moral, wise, responsible and useful person, one who can address social injustice, strengthen society, and live a meaningful, productive and fulfilling life.

To do so, they need to undergo a more holistic and balanced programme, including studies in humanities, liberal arts, and social sciences.

Such a programme can help students develop their character and values, enhance fluid intelligence, and pursue a broader range of knowledge and expertise.

5. As we come to grips with a disruptive future, it’s important to train our students to develop 21st century skills.

These are skills that can help them develop new knowledge and expertise to respond to technological advancement, and survive and succeed in current and future environments.

21st century skills include metacognitive and fluid intelligence skills, leadership and persuasion skills, self-regulation skills, high-touch and aesthetic skills, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, financial literacy skills, and giving back skills.
These skills can make a major difference in helping students live a purposeful, productive and fulfilling life.

6. Ultimately, formal education can only open the front door to a career but lifelong learning can help our students reach the top floor of the economy and life.

In short, to be a good leader, you should focus on having a holistic, balanced, and future-oriented education.

You need to develop your character and values, multiple intelligences, and 21st century skills, and commit yourself to lifelong learning.

http://m.todayonline.com/singapore/what-matters-ability-not-university-degree-ong-ke-yung

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