The world is changing fast, and educators face the challenge of preparing the next generation for the world that awaits them. As we look ahead to 2024, Future Education predicts 6 trends that will shape the education sector, offering insights to help you stay ahead in your career.
1. Embracing AI Technology
Okay we get it, technology is scary, but it is coming in thick and fast. We may not be experts today, but the children we are currently educating one day will be. Since Chat GPT's launch in January, the AI sector has exploded, with over 1200 AI companies launching in the UK by October 2023.
AI technology's pervasive influence has seamlessly woven into the fabric of society, making an indelible mark on the education sector. In 2024, technology will play a major role in education, including gamification, virtual assistance, and on-the-go lesson planners.
2. Developing Soft Skills
The demand for soft skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, people management and creativity, has surged in today's workplace. Employers actively seek emerging professionals who can confidently navigate complex decisions and exhibit robust leadership qualities. Recognising this shift, schools(particularly Secondary Schools) are tasked with providing the training necessary for students to nurture and grow these invaluable soft skills, ensuring their readiness for the dynamic challenges of future careers.
Becoming a widespread trend across social media, children are surrounded by podcasts, YouTube, Tik-tok videos and other social media channels promoting these skills. We may start to see as educators, more ambitious and driven teenagers, aspiring to be in business, self-made or using their innovation to bring new things into our society.
3. Attention Span Challenges
We recently reviewed our own data with outside reports and discovered a rise inattention-related challenges among mainstream pupils, possibly linked to the modern world and lockdowns. Educators now face difficulties distinguishing between cognitive difficulties and the impact of the digital age.
Due to the instant world we live in, children are struggling to sleep with blue light from devices disrupting melatonin, the barrage of games, movies, social media creating hyper attention and dependency on electronics which can lead to lack of patience and fixation, developing a harmful connection or “bond” to their devices which can manifest through separation anxiety when they’re forced to take a break, Struggle to communicate as reduced time socialising. On top of all this they are experiencing emotional dysregulation exacerbated by frustration, boredom, and stress.
These elements have changed the pattern of development and will require new/enhanced skills in order to plug the gaps in education.
4. Nano Learning
The rise of Nano Learning addresses the challenge of shorter attention spans by breaking down intricate topics into easily digestible, bite-sized pieces. This approach enhances comprehension, preventing the overwhelming and discouraging effects of consuming advanced information in one sitting.
Microsoft's study spanning from 2000 to 2015 revealed a startling 4-second drop inattention spans, attributing this decline to the nature of technology and its continuous stimulation. Moreover, attention span disparities between generations highlight the evolving landscape. Millennials, having grown up with ubiquitous technology, exhibit distinct characteristics compared to Gen X and Boomers. Millennials, in particular, report the ability to sustain attention for longer periods when content is highly engaging, emphasising the importance of captivating narratives and visuals.
Intriguingly, the Tik-Tok generation, Gen-Z, boasts the shortest attention span at just 1.3seconds, according to a study by Yahoo and OMD Worldwide. To keep these generations engaged, content must not only be visually appealing but also boast a compelling storyline. Their focus leans heavily towards narrative and visual elements, underscoring the need for innovative instructional design.
5. Staffing Challenges
Staffing is a major concern due to rising costs as wages typically consume 50-60 per cent of an schools turnover. Given the increase in staffing required to support the government’s expansion of free childcare, there are concerns surrounding how this will be enacted with the current state of the labour market. Staff-to-child ratios have recently been modified from 1:4 to 1:5 for two-year-olds, which has been met with concerns around how the quality of provision may be impacted.
To maintain quality provision, educators must focus on staff retention, provide training opportunities, and offer clear career paths. This will aid staff satisfaction and enhance social value, which is similarly growing in importance within the early years sector and wider property market.
6. Taking the Classroom Outside
Children today spend more time indoors with digital entertainment. Outdoor learning is gaining importance once again now studies are starting to show the impact this new way of socialising is having, with sustainability and forest schools becoming popular as a result. Inspired by Danish teaching methods, this trend maximises outdoor spaces, reducing costs associated with indoor facilities.
These are just a few key themes we have already started to see arise in the education sector, and suspect will continue into 2024 for many individuals working within schools. Although listing challenges may seem negative, brining anxiety and the question of “what can I do?”, being aware and having preparation is key to any educators success.
