Each person\u2019s mindset, attitude, and perspective about learning would be radically different\u2014that much is obvious.<\/p>\n
In this article, we explore how expectations about learning have evolved through the years, and discuss what learning looks like today. Read on for more!<\/p>\n
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Expectation #1: Emphasis on deeper learning<\/h2>\n
Back in 2016, the American Institutes for Research report, Does Deeper Learning Improve Student Outcomes<\/em>,<\/a>\u00a0suggested that important 21st century skills (such as adaptability and self-management) were achieved through deeper learning.<\/p>\n What is deeper learning? It comprises of a few different things, including:<\/p>\n Since then, there has been a spate of national initiatives targeted at promoting deeper learning in K12 schools.<\/p>\n Teachers are not just expected to help students master core academic content\u2014they also need to teach kids critical thinking and problem solving, effective communication, the ability to work collaboratively, the ability to learn how to learn, and more.<\/p>\n For older students, flexible learning options are now a must-have. For instance, this could be:<\/p>\n You\u2019ll realize that there\u2019s a common theme here: the shift to doing things digitally.<\/p>\n In a post-pandemic world, most students are used to consuming content and learning online<\/a>, and they also appreciate the fact that they can save time and money by cutting out unnecessary commutes.<\/p>\n Since schools now have the infrastructure in place to support online learning, it makes sense to continue down this path, and allow students to learn in the medium that they most prefer.<\/p>\n These days, teachers and students alike understand the importance of immersive content.<\/p>\n The goal is to design active and not passive learning programs\u2014this gets students invested in their own learning and keeps things fun.<\/p>\n To do this, teachers are now experimenting with different strategies and techniques, including learning simulations, interactive assignments, real-life case studies, and Virtual Reality\/Augmented Reality content.<\/p>\n Back in the day, teachers were just expected to teach\u2014that was it.<\/p>\n These days, their scope has dramatically expanded. Depending on what kind of program you\u2019re looking at, teachers might be expected to:<\/p>\n The biggest change that we\u2019ve seen in recent years? The fact that parents expect to have 24\/7 access to teachers.<\/p>\n Technology and social interaction<\/a> has made it easy for parents, students, and teachers to communicate\u2014there\u2019s no doubt about that. But on the flip side, some parents now expect teachers to be constantly available to them and answer questions that they might have, or provide updates about their child.<\/p>\n It only takes five seconds for these parents to dash off a text message to these teachers, but depending on the teacher\u2019s class size and how many parents have reached out to them, it may be unrealistic for them to be able to reply to every single enquiry or request that they receive.<\/p>\n The same goes for students\u2014many of them don\u2019t hesitate to text their teachers after-hours to clarify something they mentioned in class or ask about homework.<\/p>\n With this in mind, teachers today need to be able to compartmentalize, and set and enforce boundaries well.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy for teachers to burn out if they\u2019re constantly at the beck and call of students and parents\u2014and it\u2019s in their best interests to block out their time outside of work, and ensure that they\u2019re well-rested for the next day of class.<\/p>\n Previously, the student-teacher relationship was pretty straightforward\u2014teachers were experts, and students were there to learn from them.<\/p>\n Today, the relationship is more nuanced than before. Since information is so widely available, you can Google anything and get the answer in two seconds. As a result, teachers are seen more as facilitators and guides rather than experts.<\/p>\n And yes, while students are still there to learn from their teachers, there\u2019s also this sense of students (and their parents) being \u201ccustomers.\u201d Today, it\u2019s up to teachers and the school to sell a particular program or course to the students, and it\u2019s common for schools to promote or market themselves so as to attract students.<\/p>\n This change means that teachers and schools aren\u2019t as laser-focused on the \u201ceducation\u201d aspect, as curriculum is no longer a key selling point. Instead, they\u2019re also trying to provide value in other aspects, such as:<\/p>\n Depending on how robust the school\u2019s programs are, it can then differentiate itself from its competitors, and appeal to students and parents more effectively.<\/p>\n In the past few years, learners and students have become more sophisticated, and their needs have evolved. The role of teachers<\/a> has also evolved, and the entire learning landscape is drastically different from before.<\/p>\n As we journey into 2023 and beyond, we expect these trends to persist in the same direction. Digitization will continue, and learning will become even more flexible, and even more convenient for students.<\/p>\n With a plethora of options at their fingertips, students will have to put in more thought and ensure that they\u2019re picking the right programs that will support them and allow them to achieve their goals.<\/p>\n And as for teachers, the challenge lies in continuously adapting their lesson plans and content to ensure that it\u2019s relevant and relatable to their students. At the same time, they will need to ensure that they’re taking a holistic approach that is conducive to deeper learning.<\/p>\n As schools and teachers continue to look towards students and parents as customers, the first step in the right direction is to better understand their unique needs and expectations. Begin by collecting as much feedback as possible to identify the key drivers behind their learning experience while also understanding what drives teacher engagement and satisfaction.<\/p>\n Unlike most other industries, education is one that is driven by passion and interest.<\/p>\n To keep it alive and ignite the fire of learning, schools need to identify the experience gap, and bridge it. Understanding the power of feedback, Sogolytics offers a cutting-edge feedback and experience management solution that empowers K12 schools<\/a> and higher education institutions<\/a> better cater to the right audience, helping create programs that resonate with them, and ensuring a powerful experience for all.<\/p>\n\n
Expectation #2: Flexible learning options<\/h2>\n
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Expectation #3: More immersive and engaging content<\/h2>\n
Expectation #4: More involvement from teachers<\/h2>\n
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Expectation #5: Parents and students as \u201ccustomers\u201d<\/h2>\n
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A final word on how the learner experience has evolved<\/h2>\n
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