How has the pandemic affected the way our world works? Experts have been evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare, business, and, most notably, education since it started to spread globally. Specific trends already influenced how teachers taught students, such as distance learning. But these technology-inspired trends found mainstream acceptance after the pandemic pushed people to use online methods to continue their educational undertakings.
Understanding current and upcoming trends make an educator more effective and successful. Moreover, your employers expect you to maintain some familiarity with these trends. Let’s dig deep and learn more about them.
So, what factors have triggered the advent of these trends? The below-mentioned illustration can indicate that 55% of today’s college students belong to Generation Z. We know that many students have access to the internet, because of which education has become more accessible to them online. Moreover, we learn that technology can potentially reduce the number of OOSC (out-of-school children) by making lectures readily available to remotely-situated students. Educators should at least familiarize themselves with some of the social, political, and technical trends we’re about to mention. That’s how teachers and professors can enhance their students’ learning experience. Some trends that are reshaping the future of education include the following:
- Educators continuing to learn
Educators must continue to enhance their education so they can thrive in this constantly-changing environment. Hence continued education has become a priority instead of a choice for modern-day teachers, especially at the post-secondary level. Many flexible distance learning programs are available to educators seeking to enhance their teaching credentials. These programs can help you boost your theoretical and practical experience to become a more effective educator. Post-secondary educators can obtain a teaching in higher education certificate to familiarize themselves with modern-day methods to bolster student engagement and classroom management.
- Offering flexible learning options
Flexible distance learning courses have helped many students continue their education during an ongoing pandemic. Many universities are now offering e-learning courses to students, thereby giving them more control over their study sessions. As the pandemic becomes a passing matter gradually, colleges will increasingly adopt a hybrid study model. Therefore, educators should expect these hybrid learning options to become mainstream in our educational institutions.
- Teaching relevant skills
Students often believe they’re wasting their time in college since traditional institutions don’t teach them what employers demand. Likewise, employers often feel graduates are underskilled as they lack the soft and technical skills needed. Lacking these real-world skills makes it difficult for aspiring professionals to be eligible for future employment opportunities. That’s why almost 20% of college students want their educators to teach them real-world skills. Here’s an example: journalism students in today’s time don’t need to learn about creating long-form stories to be published in newspapers. Instead, they should learn the art of composing or creating shorter pieces for social media. These skills change, and teachers must adapt.
- Reduced testing
Interestingly, COVID-19 encouraged some companies to abandon or postpone SAT scores. Some top-tier universities are considering eliminating ACT/SAT scores in the future. Introduced in the 20th century, these tests were supposed to allow students from diversified backgrounds an equal chance to prove their merit when applying for a program. However, studies have shown this testing does the opposite. Students from privileged backgrounds can easily afford tutors or courses to perform better in entrance exams, giving them an ‘unfair’ advantage.
- Fewer international students
The pandemic prevented international students from enrolling in American universities. Experts blame travel bans, consulate closures, and healthcare guidelines for reducing the number of overseas students in the USA. A Forbes article predicts that the enrollment of international students in colleges dropped to 63% (for the academic year 2020-21) from 98% (for the academic year 2018-19). Educators can leverage this information to formulate study patterns and determine how to connect with their students.
- Stricter college admissions
You may remember Operation Varsity Blues, which investigated how some wealthy parents engaged in bribing people to secure their children’s admission into top-tier American universities. Incidents like that forced colleges to restructure the procedure of admitting students with stricter evaluation to prevent the privileged from exploiting the system. Universities will have to review their admission policies to ensure nobody exploits privilege to surpass deserving but underprivileged candidates. Also, several applicants have brought lawsuits against some universities, accusing them of discrimination. These developments shall lead to stricter college admissions.
- Student diversity services
Society’s changing socially. It’s estimated that 45% of modern-day undergraduates in the USA identify as people of color. Campuses are becoming more diverse, and educators must focus on promoting inclusivity to connect with these students. Student diversity
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