Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, primary, secondary, and JC school students of Singapore took their classes in traditional classrooms. School began at 730am and ended at 130pm, while online learning at this level was rather foreign and largely experienced by distance learners only.
Fast forward to 2020, and we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of online learning classes available in schools, making it evident that the education system is rapidly evolving in response to the changes across the world. As a result, the way our children learn will be vastly different from the traditional education system that most parents are familiar with. Parents can expect to see the following significant changes in the future of education:
1. Tech-Enabled Learning
With technology advancing rapidly and almost every field has been influenced by the changes it brings – the education field is no exception. The most important advantage of technology, as seen from the global pandemic lockdown, is that it enables more personalised learning. Many important concepts can be learnt not only on zoom calls but also through online quizzes that offer incentives to students. Though some argue that technology in our classrooms creates lazy, disconnected students, it is untrue. Technology has created endless opportunities for where learning can occur, with whom and whenever.
The students of today, who are already digital natives themselves, can therefore extend their learning beyond the prescribed texts and curriculum as a result of the accessibility of technology. The future of education will gradually demonstrate how technology can be used to a student’s advantage. However, it’s also important to note that good teaching and learning will still remain the same. While technology provides easier accessibility for learning, the benefits a teacher brings to the classroom can never be substituted.
2. The Emphasis on Critical Thinking Skills
As the world continues to change, students of today have to adapt and be prepared to face an unknown future. And this is where creative thinking and problem-solving skills come into play. The most important aspect of school and enrichment classes have to be training students as well as equipping them with the skills and ability to think through situations – empowering them to come up with appropriate solutions.
Children today will encounter issues or problems that we may not ever know. In order to address these, they need to have the ability to articulate what they see as an issue before coming up with the right solution. But that’s not all. They also have to take into consideration different points of view, listen empathetically, cooperate and collaborate with others to solve problems together. Hence, communication, teamwork with empathy and collaboration with people of various backgrounds and perspectives is an important skills students need to have to become successful, lifelong learners.
3. The Importance of Soft Skills
As the pace of technology and the hard skills required continue to evolve, it is almost impossible to keep up. Furthermore, the hard skills demanded in the future will also look very different from the skills we know today. On the other hand, it’s soft skills like effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking and attitude toward learning that will help students adapt to all the changes.
But, these skills are built on the outside and not just from within the prescribed classrooms or at home. For example, MindChamps MindSpace’s after school curriculum is backed by research and carefully developed to give children an opportunity to approach learning in a more meaningful and holistic way. Students are taught The Champion Mindset as they learn effective ways to synthesise information and concepts. Coupled with the reinforcement of positive attitudes and motivation to learn and excel, MindSpace’s team of specialist educators strive to nurture every student into a future champion.
Step Into the Future of Education with MindChamps MindSpace
With MindSpace After School Student Care and weekend enrichment classes for primary school students, your child can develop their Champion Mindset and work towards excelling in the future. Our after-school enrichment curriculum and activities are designed to complement the MOE syllabus, allowing your child to stay ahead of the academic curve while picking up necessary soft skills.
Find the MindSpace Centre nearest to you today, and get in touch with us to find out how our after school care curriculum and weekend enrichment classes prepare your child for the future of education.