Let's talk about the challenges of educational change worldwide

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A few years ago, I read a book called "Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms," by Timothy D. Walker. The author reflected on the Finnish educational model, which is considered one of the educational world's "miracles."
Finnish students have short school days, light homework loads, and little standardized testing, but they still have some of the highest PISA scores in the world.

The book discusses deep learning and understanding, holistic education, and focusing on the whole child's development, including emotional, social, and academic growth. It emphasizes active participation and collaboration in the classroom, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The book also emphasizes creating a supportive and positive learning environment.

I was really interested to learn about the role of teachers in the Finnish education system.
Teaching is considered one of the most respected and well-paid careers. You need to study hard for many years before starting work at school, but when you do, you already have good experience and an understanding that you will be highly velued by society as a teacher.

In my personalopinion, this policy helps to attract great people to the educational system, people who can shape and improve the quality of education, create facilities, incorporate technologies, provide schools with educational materials etc.

I believe this book is translated into many languages, I read it in Russian. As an educator, I gained many insights from this book and I highly recommend checking out. The author Timothy D. Walker "Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms"
It can even an idea for a reading club with colleagues

@Ana_moderator

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on "Teach Like Finland". It's fascinating how the Finnish educational model prioritizes deep learning, holistic education, and the overall development of students while maintaining a balanced and supportive environment.

The emphasis on active participation, collaboration, and the respect and value given to teachers is truly inspiring. It’s impressive how these elements contribute to the high PISA scores despite shorter school days and lighter homework loads. Your recommendation is timely, and I agree that it would make a great topic for a reading club with colleagues.

It’s always valuable to explore successful education systems and consider how we can adapt those strategies to our own classrooms or even an educational system. Thanks again for the recommendation Ana.

Best,
Mr. Bryan

@Bilim Hello Bilim! This is very important theme for discussion.

In Serbia, the discourse on technology's role in education echoes global patterns but also highlights unique challenges within the country's educational landscape. While classrooms increasingly integrate technology, disparities persist in digital access and training across schools and educators.

Urban and affluent schools typically boast ample technology resources, including computers, tablets, and internet connectivity. However, rural and underserved communities often grapple with limited access to digital tools and infrastructure. Moreover, many Serbian educators lack sufficient training to effectively utilize technology in teaching or access professional development opportunities.

While technology may offer efficiency, it lacks the human touch crucial for fostering empathy, creativity, and critical thinking. Teachers play a pivotal role as mentors, guides, and inspirations, nurturing students' intellectual curiosity, resilience, and adaptability. The key to cultivating future-ready learners lies in harmonizing human expertise with technological advancements.

As a music educator, I am dedicated to leveraging technology to enrich learning experiences while prioritizing the holistic growth of my students. By blending technology with traditional teaching methods, I aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and creativity essential for success in a dynamic world.

@Bilim , hi,

The preference for reading books among children nowadays can vary widely based on factors such as individual interests, access to books, and exposure to digital media. Many children today are exposed to digital media such as smartphones, tablets, and computers from a young age. This exposure can influence their reading habits, with some children preferring digital formats like e-books or audiobooks over traditional printed books. furthermore, technology has made reading more accessible and interactive through platforms like e-readers and educational apps. While digital media and technology have introduced new forms of entertainment and learning opportunities, many children still enjoy reading books.

But, in some cases, pupils are lack of motivation to study. They didn’t understand the importance of education and how it connects to their future goals. They are pressured by parents, teachers and the community just to pass the exams. Like exams are determine their future.

Hello Myloga
based on your experience, how can we resolve this problem which affects almost all students as well as their parents.
Best Regards from Tunisia
Chokri

@Bilim
Hello Bilim,
One of the educational challenges that I think is common globally is resistance on behalf of administrators and educators. Whenever a new concept or strategy is proposed after several research made, there is always a few who show reluctancy to adopt the new systems and processes. Ultimately this may hinder the proper implementation.

@Nenad-Stojacic said in Let's talk about the callenges of educational change worldwide:

Urban and affluent schools typically boast ample technology resources, including computers, tablets, and internet connectivity. However, rural and underserved communities often grapple with limited access to digital tools and infrastructure. Moreover, many Serbian educators lack sufficient training to effectively utilize technology in teaching or access professional development opportunities.

We have had a similar situation in Russia, however it is changing for the better.

Within the framework of the national project "Education", the Ministry of education aim to create a new educational environment for schools, especially in rural areas and small towns.

We have a "Tochka Rosta" (Point of Growth) project, they are opening centers for education in digital and humanitarian fields. These centers are usually located on school grounds. They have high-tech equipment for studying technology, informatics, and life safety.

I have spoken with some teachers, and they appreciate this initiative. However, sometimes this high-tech equipment is not being used to its full potential because educators lack professional digital skills training

@Bousl2336873cb4
Just follow the country's education policy. Because it made according to geographical and political factors.

Dear Ana, let me thank you again for this opportunity of global collaboration. International forum is sure to reach its goals set forward. Why?

I'm happy to receive feedback from my colleagues and read wonderful reflections worth of research paper in education.

Education as a social phenomenon, is inevitably goes through transformation, its paradigm is changing completely. I can imagine together or not, we all are facing glocal (global and local) challenges we need to gradually overcome.

In the long term, all countries take action to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to quality education for all. It is the foundation of all and there is an urgent call worldwide.

@Ana_moderator
Agreed, AI is really helpful in saving time and getting things done. Teachers using technology are highly appreciated in our country too. However, as far as national-level training is concerned, it is highly needed but not available in Pakistan.

@Bilim Education is evolving with technology,, but it's not about replacing teachers; it's about augmenting their roles to foster future-ready learners...

@Ana_moderator Exactly ma'am this is an.interseting topic because the societies and educational systems vary country to country.it's a big.issue of over crowded class rooms in.our country.And it's too.hard to manage the class properly and pay attention to each student of the class.

Unfortunately, the number of fair copies of students from our government schools has decreased drastically, which causes students to drop out of reading and writing.

@Zahid-Ali reading written and managed work

Hi Bilim and other forum members,
usage of AI is supportive to teachers but AI cannot replace teachers because it lacks the human touch that is necessary for understanding the individual needs of students. Teachers also provide emotional support and motivation that AI cannot replicate. AI can assist teachers but cannot fully replace the unique role of a teacher.
Best Regards
Komal Vinod
Primary School Teacher
Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan.

@Zahid-Ali
Sir, we know that The Teacher is also a Facilitator. how are you handling this in the classroom? Because children are the sign of a bright future. Please do something so that their learning and knowledge increase, and they come to school for the right reasons, not just for making neat copies. We need to have the best possible attitude with them and help them in their studies, so they can build a better future for themselves.

@Zahid-Ali yes thats the bitter reality of our schools.

@Bilim Digital technology can never be the teacher of the future but it will be the teacher's assistant, playing a supportive role which can make a valuable impact on learning outcomes. Technology can handle tasks that a teacher cannot do – whether through lack of time, or resources – and can add real value to the classroom.