It was good to listen to and read about different views at the National Education Forum in Suva yesterday.
In fact leadership in education is now about anticipating the future!
Strong voices emerged yesterday, highlighting perspectives that were inter-connected. They were bold, and they called for reforms. That was one of the key factors that stood out. It was encouraging given the challenges we have faced over the years with declining standards.
We need to be transforming our education landscape to meet expectations and the demands of a changing world. That has to be a major consideration anyway given the dynamics and the advent of the digital age, habits on the home-front, and what’s trending among our youth!
While Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) board member Arvind Maharaj delivered a case for education reforms grounded in the realities we are now facing in technological advancement, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro spoke about inclusive and transparent reforms.
He spoke about “preparing students for life, not exams!” He focused on urging stakeholders to challenge assumptions and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient education system.
We note Mr Maharaj’s views on going beyond content-based education, and teachers being encouraged to evolve, encouraging critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship!
He talks about reforms that equip students with creative thinking skills to meet the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and automation.
He highlighted the role the private sector could play in reshaping education for the future.
He spoke about the possibility of many traditional and monotonous job roles disappearing.
“The teaching methodology needs to change,” he said.
“The classroom itself will need to change.”
The forum also focused on vocational learning.
Ministry of Education TVET director Isoa Tauribau said the perception that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was a secondary or fallback option for struggling students must be changed.
Attitudes towards vocational learning, he said, continue to limit its potential, despite the growing recognition of its critical role in employment and economic development.
“TVET will lead to employment. It will lead to poverty reduction. It will promote socio-economic development in the country,” he said.
Reflecting on these three perspectives, fingers point to a system that embraces inclusivity, creativity and places value and importance on the learner.
We’ve got to admit this. Our system needs to be reformed! It needs to embrace changes in our world, and realise and appreciate how the dynamics are changing the way we do things!
Our future depends on the decisions and choices we make in Cabinet meetings, our classrooms, our communities, and our homes!
