Learning about the world helps us understand it better. It helps shape our outlook on the world. It’s the single most crucial factor in the development of a nation. The pursuit of knowledge is essential to the discovery of new ideas. Without ideas, there is no creativity; without creativity, there can be no progress. Without education, it will be exceedingly challenging for individuals to improve their intellect and hone the skills required to bring about a positive change in society and make this world a better place to live.
With schools being the first place where this journey begins, it is vital to hold the education quality in schools to specific standards. Today, with the rapid economic growth and increasing globalization, debates are cooking on how to enhance the education quality in schools. The following are some effective strategies:
- Focus on the professional development of teachers
The role of teachers is instrumental in guaranteeing that the students receive lessons that keep their minds stimulated. Therefore, schools should consider giving teachers a refresher about updated school standards from time to time. However, training becomes imperative when substantial changes are about to occur, such as changes in the curriculum and educational programs. After all, teachers are primarily the frontline professionals in educational institutions.
Besides, teachers themselves should also commit to their professional development. They have the opportunity to enrol in the best masters programs for teachers to expand their knowledge spectrum. Today, various institutes have introduced accelerated programs such as 1-year online masters that enable educators to hone their instructional skills quickly and acquire professional expertise, all without having to be present to take classes physically.
- Emphasize collaborative education
Group learning is considerably more effective than learning alone. As the saying goes, “two heads are better than one.” Well, how about making more than two heads?
Collaborative learning, also known as peer learning, involves students coming together to work in groups and discuss different concepts. These individuals count on each other’s expertise, competencies, and resources to find solutions to problems.
Collaborative learning yields multiple benefits; it makes classroom learning more interactive, fun, and engaging, provided the teachers structure the course content effectively. Not only this, but it also develops high-level thinking in students, boosts their self-esteem, and gives insight into varying perspectives. In addition, this learning and instruction approach enables teachers to instil crucial skills such as leadership, self-management, teamwork, and communication in students.
- Review and modify curriculums
Undeniably, the overriding goal of each school is to equip minds with proper knowledge. However, changes are inevitable in every industry, which implies that the education schools deliver to their students may become obsolete, or chances are, completely irrelevant with time. Schools, in turn, might fail to generate outcomes, which can eventually create a skills gap – an imbalance in the employers’ requirements and graduates’ capabilities.
Given this, it’s incredibly critical to review the curriculum of instructional programs and make necessary amendments according to the developments in the relevant knowledge fields. Naturally, figuring out the 21st-century needs and revising the already established curricula can be challenging, considering how new ideas and inventions continue to pour in a constant flow. Nonetheless, the curriculum revision helps coordinate the theoretical coursework with learning objectives.
- Capitalize on technology
The rapid technological advancements have revamped the landscape of almost every field, and education is no different. Today, cutting-edge technologies can help a great deal in boosting the quality of education in schools. From streamlining administrative tasks and upgrading the curriculum to modernizing parental connections, the wise use of tech can virtually enhance every aspect of school.
Classroom demonstrations, lessons, and various simulations can now be a part of the online curriculum. Not only this, but students can also collaborate on projects and communicate effectively and even more productively, thanks to online platforms. Teachers, on the other hand, can keep tabs on records and assess activities by leveraging technology. They can also encourage students to use appropriate technology to make creative and appealing presentations. This way, students can catch on to concepts quickly and learn practical skills which can prove beneficial in the future.
According to a study, incorporating mobile technology within classroom premises can improve students’ academic performance. In addition, it can also result in better engagement and enhance creativity. Also, automated and customizable rubrics can assist educators in evaluating the assessments objectively, transparently, and consistently.
- Hold parent-teacher meetings
The role of parents and guardians of students isn’t just limited to paying school tuition fees. They also need to be involved in their education if they want their kids to have a positive and enriching learning experience at school. Also, schools will never be able to enhance education quality and thrive if it doesn’t listen to and take input from parents.
Most, if not all, children have two essential educators in their lives – parents (or guardians) and teachers. Parents/ guardians/ other caregivers are primarily the chief educators until the kids get admission to the early setting school. Since these individuals ingrain values that promote school learning, they significantly impact the child’s learning process. Therefore, it’s safe to state that the more school coursework involves parents’ participation, the more likely students will enjoy a positive learning experience.
And this gives all the more reasons for schools to arrange parent-teacher meetings to discuss the challenges and welcome active participation. Teachers should keep the parents apprised of the school’s educational goals and vision and the importance of their assistance in classwork and homework lessons. Additionally, they should engage with them and solicit feedback.
Final Words
Academically, a typical model of memorizing the content and giving standardized assessments, for the most part, is how schools still operate. The majority of what is taught in schools today is traditional bookish knowledge and nothing that relates to the growth and development of the personality. As a result, these conventional educational systems fail to provide the requisite knowledge and meet performance expectations.
Since education plays an integral role in developing students’ personalities and ensuring success, schools should accentuate the significance of positive developmental growth. By integrating outcome-based education, schools can emphasize personalized learning, develop instruction models and curriculums tailored to students’ learning preferences, and boast quality education.
Indeed, improving the quality of education in schools will take some time and might require funding, but the efforts will surely pay off over the long haul.
Read also: UNESCO Says Money Spent On Education Doesn’t Match Its Importance