Education is a dynamic field, both in the challenges that educators face every day, but also in the way that the lessons have to be created and change to meet the needs of students. While there will always be a place for traditional lessons and learning practises, a number of new or evolving educational practises are likely to shape the education landscape for years to come.
Hybrid Learning
Much in the same way that hybrid working has become a mainstay of the office environment thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid learning – the mix of face-to-face and online learning is increasingly becoming common in schools. This trend is likely to expand in coming years as the learning style has quickly proven to have several benefits.
First and foremost, hybrid learning provides flexibility. Students can access educational materials and engage in lessons from anywhere with an internet connection. This flexibility is especially beneficial for students with diverse schedules, allowing them to balance work, family, or other commitments while pursuing their education.
Hybrid learning also fosters independent learning. Students must take more responsibility for their studies, managing their time effectively and learning to navigate digital tools. These skills are valuable in today’s technology-driven world and can improve students’ overall self-discipline.
For schools, hybrid learning offers cost-effectiveness, as it can reduce the need for physical space and resources, such as textbooks. In addition, hybrid learning allows schools to reach a broader audience, potentially attracting students from different locations.
Hybrid learning also can enhance the understanding and use of digital resources for students and teachers alike. For students this can help prepare them for a digitally dominated future, and for teachers make it easier to track students’ progress and provide tailored support.
Hybrid learning benefits students through flexibility, independence, and improved digital skills, while schools can save resources, reach a wider student base and the personalisation of lessons for individual students. It’s a valuable educational approach, especially in our ever-evolving world.
Micro-learning
Micro-learning is an educational strategy that delivers bite-sized, focused lessons or content in short, easily digestible segments. These micro-lessons are typically brief, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. This approach is designed to cater to the modern learner’s attention span in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
The advantages of micro-learning for students and schools are significant. For students, micro-learning promotes efficient learning by breaking down complex topics into manageable parts, making it easier to grasp and remember information. This method can be particularly effective in addressing the needs of diverse learners with varying paces and preferences.
Furthermore, micro-learning offers flexibility, allowing students to access content at their convenience. It is particularly beneficial for on-the-go or remote/hybrid learning, making education accessible anytime and anywhere. This adaptability contributes to better time management and reduces the stress associated with rigid schedules.
For schools, micro-learning can lead to increased student engagement and motivation. Its brief, focused nature aligns well with the attention spans of the digital generation. As a result, micro-learning can prevent information overload and fatigue, fostering a more positive learning experience.
Micro-learning is also cost-effective and scalable. Schools can create and update micro-learning modules more efficiently than traditional courses. This method also facilitates easy assessment and tracking of student progress, aiding teachers in tailoring their instruction to individual student needs.
Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is an educational approach that fosters active interaction and cooperation among students to achieve common learning goals. It diverges from traditional teaching methods where students primarily receive instruction from teachers. Instead, in collaborative learning, students engage in discussions, group projects, problem-solving, and shared exploration of subjects. This approach offers numerous advantages for both students and schools.
One of the most important aspects of collaborative learning is that it promotes the development of essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are highly valued in the modern workforce, and collaborative learning prepares students for future success. Collaborative learning can also enhance a student’s ability to work in diverse groups, fostering a deeper understanding of different perspectives and promoting inclusivity.
Collaborative learning can contribute to increased engagement and motivation among students. Active participation and social interaction make the learning process more enjoyable, reducing the risk of boredom and disinterest. This approach can also lead to improved retention of information, as students tend to remember what they learn through discussions and shared experiences.
Schools benefit from collaborative learning as well, as it encourages a more dynamic and interactive classroom environment, which can lead to reduced discipline issues and absenteeism. Collaborative learning also aligns with contemporary educational theories that focus on student-centred, constructivist approaches, making schools more competitive in terms of delivering high-quality education.
Incorporating technology and digital tools can further enhance collaborative learning, enabling students to collaborate both in-person and remotely. Schools that embrace this approach prepare their students not only for academic success but also for the challenges of a rapidly evolving, interconnected world.
Personalised/Adaptive Learning
Adaptive or personalised learning is an innovative educational approach that tailors instruction to each student’s individual needs, abilities, and preferences. Adaptive learning leverages technology and data analysis to create a customised learning experience for every student. This method benefits both students and schools in several ways.
Personalised learning can enhance engagement and motivation in students, as it allows them to learn at their own pace, focusing on areas in which they need improvement and bypassing topics they’ve already mastered. This approach to learning can boost confidence and self-efficacy, making the learning process more enjoyable.
Adaptive learning can help foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter by addressing individual learning styles and strengths. This style of learning can enhance comprehension and long-term retention of information. The approach also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students are encouraged to explore topics that align with their interests.
Personalised learning can lead to improved student outcomes. It supports teachers in delivering instruction that caters to diverse learning abilities within a single classroom. This approach can also help schools and parents in optimising resources by reducing the need for remedial classes or additional instructional support such as tutoring.
Adaptive learning can also offer insights into student progress and areas that require attention. This data-driven approach can aid educators in making data-informed decisions to refine their teaching methods.
STEAM Education
Science, Technology, Education and Math, colloquially known as STEM education has been a mainstay of the Australian school curriculum for some time. The aim of STEM education is to create job ready graduates in a future that is progressively becoming more reliant on an increasingly digital future.
While technical and technological savvy are undoubtedly important, employers are more and more often looking for skills that not only show technical knowhow but that they have the ability to work effectively and succeed within a team.
This group of skills, colloquially known as Soft Skills or Power Skills, includes such skills as Communication, Teamwork, Time Management, Adaptability, Critical Thinking and Self-Management.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) is an adaptation of STEM, adding the Arts and Humanities back into the mix and giving them equal weighting to the other subjects. The key benefit of STEAM over STEM is that it helps graduates cultivate both the Hard and Soft skills needed to succeed in a wide range of careers.
By exploring scientific concepts and conducting experiments, students learn to approach complex issues critically and methodically. As such they can become adept problem solvers, capable of addressing real-world challenges with innovative solutions. The inclusion of the Arts encourages creative thinking, enabling students to think beyond the confines of traditional subjects.
STEAM education emphasises collaboration and teamwork, fostering effective communication and interpersonal skills. Students learn to express their ideas clearly and work harmoniously with others.
In an ever-changing technological landscape, STEAM can equip students with adaptability, ensuring they can embrace new concepts and technologies throughout their lives. Through group projects and presentations, students gain leadership experience, preparing them for future roles of responsibility.
In essence, the goal of STEAM education is to fully equip students with a rich skill set, enhance their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and communication skills, to ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges of employment and the future.
