CHANGES IN EDUCATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY
JOANE ESCOTO-FERNANDO
The continued pursuit and quest for excellence of mankind has resulted in several developments in education in the past century. Traditionally, teachers would treat learners like soldiers. Students were subjected to memorizing, drills and other endless repetitive school activities. The teacher was like a general giving out the marching orders in a military camp. This could have been the reason why the school has been given an image of a place where boredom thrives. However, there have been paradigm shifts in education. Today, the focus of education has shifted away from the teacher and focused the limelight on the learners.
Improvement in education includes the methods of assessments and evaluation. Before learning was more on recalling what has been taught in the classroom and this was measured through tests and examinations. Today learners are exposed to authentic learning. Following the logic behind the theory of constructivism, students are required to have an output of their learning. The infamous Taxonomy of Educational Objectives or more familiarly known as Bloom’s Taxonomy has been revised to accommodate the new trends learning. The evaluation used to be considered the highest level of thinking of learning, however, but with the recent development and improvements in the field of education and the revision of the Bloom’s taxonomy creating outcomes of learning has been given more emphasis and importance.
The basic skills set that is expected K-12 students have also been changed. The three R’s of learning or the reading, writing, and arithmetic are no longer enough skills for our learners today. Aside from the 3Rs, the students have been given new target skills the “4 Cs” of 21st-century learning. The 4Cs were developed by the P21’s Framework for 21st Century Learning, a non-profit organization, they defined and illustrate the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in the 21st century. These four Cs are Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
The changing developments in information communication technology have also entered the classroom. This has given rise to the Open Distance Learning. Distance education has changed the classroom setting. It defies the traditional set up of the brick and mortar classroom. The teacher, students and time have been separated but still makes learning possible anywhere and everywhere for everyone as long as there is an internet connection. Distance learning provides opportunities to those who face constraint in attending the traditional classroom. Imagine a handicapped learner no longer need to leave the comfort of their homes to attend his class. A working student that needs to juggle his schedule can now manage his time and attend class at his most convenient time.
With the fast changing world around us, the field of education should also need to keep up. The skills need by companies and the workforce is constantly changing. Our education system should leverage and capitalize in ensuring that the skills of the people meet the demand of the workforce. This will result to a robust and a sustainable economy for our country. One thing is for sure that education plays an important role in development. Reforms in education have been put in place by our government. Teachers, educators, and stakeholders should support these efforts to improve and provide education to all Filipinos and make sure that no one is left behind.
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The author is SST III at Pulung Santol National High School