Key Education Trends for Educators in 2022

In our previous article, we explored the key education trends for 2022 that are within the classroom.

This week, we’ll be talking about the education trends outside the classroom that still impact how classes will be carried out.

How will these trends change the future of education?

Key education trends for educators in 2022

1. The rise of freelance work

In the past, being your own boss and managing your own schedule seemed like a faraway dream, but the pandemic has shown us just how feasible working from home, remote work, and freelance work actually is.

This new model of work and employment means educators have to upgrade their course material to reskill and upskill students.

To cater to this education trend, educators and learning institutions are encouraged to offer flexible learning options that allow learners to choose what, when, and where they learn.

2. Entering the unknown in new and old industries

Jobs are changing due to modernisation, particularly the steady growth of AI and technology. Automation and robotics have both created and dispersed jobs. Although some people may lose their jobs, there will be opportunities for new roles in the workplace.

The growing economy and integration of technologies will require more hands on deck.

As these changes happen, there will be more demands on the education and training systems to help new employees seamlessly transition into work.

This means that many of the skills developed today will not be in line with those that are needed by companies tomorrow.

3. Skill-based approach in the workforce

On top of changes in the hiring and employment process, organisations are evolving as a whole. They are shifting from a sole focus on qualification to skills.

Although students acquire foundational knowledge in the pursuit of their qualifications, companies require hands-on skills.

Educators and employers have to work together to identify key industries that they need to nurture and develop. By doing so, educators will be able to prep learners and equip them with the necessary skill set(s) for their future careers.

There are technologies that help to monitor and analyse labour market shifts and the changing skills required by jobs. Educators and institutions should look into employing more of such systems to best track the changes in the workforce.

4. Added emphasis on lifelong learning

Continuous learning has always been a valuable approach to living and learning. This is especially true in our current climate as you are the generation that will experience living and working pre- and post-AI and technology.

As aforementioned, skills needed to enter the workforce are changing—but this does not mean that long-term staff will not have to upgrade their skills.

Additionally, research has shown that our brains are constantly changing, and continuous learning will help to rewire old patterns and create newer, more efficient ones.

Leaders in industries and communities should regularly connect with secondary and higher educational bodies to ensure students are exposed to the workforce and various occupations.

Instead if only focusing on career counselling for students, institutions are encouraged to offer counselling and lifelong opportunities to educators to support them during changes in the workplace.

The bottom line

The world we know of work is evolving rapidly, and educators, employees, and institutions have to work together to ensure the successful transition for students into the workforce.

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