“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
One major concern about the educational system is the outdated and ill-implemented policies. This issue has been affecting the overall quality of the educational system and learning experience for a long time.
The following are areas where issues have been discovered in the educational system and possible solutions to fix them.
Table of Contents
1. Obsolete Curriculum
“Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself.” — John Dewey
When the curriculum used to educate students doesn’t align with the current needs of the industry, it becomes a barrier to students’ learning. They are often ill-prepared to excel in the workforce or meet global standards.
The remedy for this challenge lies in a curriculum overhaul, ensuring that all skills and knowledge imparted in schools are relevant and crucial beyond the classroom.
It’s crucial to recognise that outdated policies establish rigid structures that impede flexibility in teaching techniques. Therefore, new policies should encompass and endorse a dynamic and engaging learning environment, personalised learning methods, and creative teaching approaches. This shift aims to break away from traditional constraints, fostering a more adaptable educational landscape that equips students with practical skills for real-world success.
2. Lack of Financial Commitment
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin
The government alone is not capable of shouldering the weight of funding every school in the country. There should be stakeholders interested in the education venture and ready to sponsor a couple of developments.
However, inadequate funding and resources are factors that ail many schools. These lead to the lack of necessary materials, facilities, and even well-trained educators. They affect the overall quality of learning and limit students’ access to a befitting learning environment.
3. Archaic Teaching Methods
“Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” — Christine Gregoire
Effective education also considers the level of expertise and experience possessed by teachers. Outdated teaching methods, resulting from a lack of adequate training for educators, no longer suffice.
Teachers must undergo continuous professional development to ensure they stay updated with modern teaching techniques.
4. Limited Access to Technology
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
Unlike the prior era, the 21st century is quite a digitised one. However, this is not incorporated into the educational system. We still use outdated ICT infrastructure which restricts the cohesion of digital learning tools with the usual learning methods.
Schools must begin to embrace technological education because they are necessary to equip students to adapt to this digital age.
5. Standardised Examination System
“Education is not just about going to school and getting a degree. It’s about widening your knowledge and absorbing the truth about life.” — Shakuntala Devi
Placing excessive emphasis on standardised testing methods fosters a teaching-to-test approach, restricting comprehensive learning and creative thinking. Hence, it is crucial to reevaluate the examination system and assess it based on a broader range of skills.
Conclusion
“Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.” — Nelson Mandela
Poorly implemented policies in education can impede the progress of the educational system, limiting the available opportunities for exploration. Addressing issues related to outdated and poorly executed policies requires a comprehensive approach.
Various areas need transformation to create a more effective and advantageous educational system for everyone. This includes providing professional development for teachers, restructuring policies, and encouraging diverse investments in education by various stakeholders.
Taking deliberate actions to close the gap between regions and social strata through education is another compelling reason to abandon these outdated policies. By tackling these challenges head-on, we can establish an effective educational system that equips students to face life’s challenges both in the present and the future.
Researched by Olamide Opebiyi
