The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected the lives of millions of students and teachers around the world, disrupting their educational activities on an incredible scale. Children, teens, teachers, faculty members, and staff were not only forced to switch back and forth between traditional and remote learning, but they were also exposed to high levels of anxiety and stress. As a result, many teachers in the US and abroad have already quit their jobs and moved to other industries. According to a recent survey, about 2 in 5 teachers say they also plan to leave in the next two years.
However, the global teacher shortage crisis is just one of the problems facing the American education system this year. With issues like the recent healthcare crisis, the teacher shortages, and the stress American children and students face, it’s no surprise that their own predictions about the future may look bleak. According to another study, only 27% of students have positive thoughts about the future of the world, while nearly 40% are pessimistic. Equally important may be the fact that 46% of students are also pessimistic about the future of the US, while only 24% say they are optimistic.
Education is probably one of the most important factors that can help children, youth, and students of all ages develop the necessary skills to build a better future. However, major issues now impacting education may prove to be even more reasons to worry about the future, which makes improving education more significant than ever. Here are five new ways of doing just that.
Helping Teachers Inspire Their Students
According to the study cited above, only 29% of students say their professors “often” inspire them to have positive views about the future of the world, while almost 50% say their professors do so “from time to time.” By helping teachers and faculty members effectively fight against anxiety and stress, American communities could also help children, teens and students develop optimistic views about the future.
Fighting Against Educational Inequality
Only by ensuring equality in education can different countries around the world manage to improve their education systems, and the US is no exception to this rule. However, economic inequality within countries is now rising, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to divide communities in the US and abroad. Recent studies show that 40% of African-American students and 30% of Hispanic students enrolled in US K-12 schools did not receive online education during the recent COVID-19 lockdowns, compared to only 10% of white students. Better strategies are needed to ensure equal, safe access to education for all learners.
Using New Technologies
New technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) can undoubtedly transform learning and provide more engaging, hyper-immersive experiences for students. According to a recent study, these technologies can be used not only to create virtual teaching environments, but also to boost engagement and communication inside the classroom. By simply interacting with AI platforms, for instance, students can become more attentive and more creative, which can lead to great learning opportunities.
Helping Students Prevent Anxiety and Stress
According to The New York Times, one of the best ways to improve education is to put less pressure on students and helping prevent excessive concerns, anxiety, and stress among them. Currently, the US education system seems to be founded on the belief that students need to constantly achieve good results in order to be accepted by good colleges. However, this can result in students being burdened with unnecessary pressure, and it can also make them lose focus as they become more worried.
Preparing Students for Real Life
Another important aspect, according to The New York Times, is helping students prepare to deal with real life issues. Many of the students interviewed by the newspaper expressed concerns that they will be sent out into the world unprepared and unaware of the real issues ahead. “I know many college students who have no idea what they’re doing, as though they left home to become an adult but don’t actually know how to be one,” Eliana D said. Building a better connection between the US education system and the job market has become extremely important.
