Andrew Wolfson, an education reform advocate, once said, "The old model of education was all about filling a vessel with knowledge. The new model is about lighting a fire within each student."
This quote encapsulates the shift that needs to occur in our education system. We must move away from a model that prioritizes information retention and towards a model that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Firstly, we must shift our focus from standardized testing to a more holistic assessment of student learning. This means embracing alternative forms of evaluation, such as project-based learning and performance assessments, which allow students to demonstrate their understanding in a more meaningful way. An environment like Kinteract is ideal for tracking, assessing, and monitoring this more holistic view of student progress and development into an individualised portfolio for each student.
This can be achieved through experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. An article published in CityAm written by Andrew Wolfson reiterates this need for change and ‘to build a system that prioritises creativity and encourages entrepreneurial spirit.’
This means addressing systemic inequalities that exist within our schools and providing support for students who may be at a disadvantage. Patrick Mainprize, Head of Education at Kinteract discusses ways to address these inequalities on LinkedIn.
In conclusion, the changes needed to our education system are significant, but they are essential if we are to prepare our children for success in the 21st Century. As Andrew Wolfson suggests, we must shift our focus from filling vessels to lighting fires, and in doing so, we will ignite a passion for learning that will last a lifetime.
If you want to find out more about how Kinteract's Learning Acceleration Solution (LAS) can help your school, book a demo.
