The future of education: beyond traditional learning

February 20th 2023

Mr. Amit Kothari is a Director of Interstar Education and on the Board of Governors of Victory Heights Primary School, South View’s sister school.

Amit Kothari, Executive Committee Member of Education Business Group (EBG), shares the long-term strategies that should be part of your child’s school experience, to help shape the generation of tomorrow.

The Education Business Group (EBG), a non-profit formed under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), currently serves 53% of the city’s private school student cohort. Below are Education Business Group’s long-term strategies that private schools in Dubai need to consider to help shape the generation of tomorrow.

WELLBEING AWARENESS

As students adapt to the new normal, mental wellbeing has become an outspoken, top priority for children, adolescents, parents and teachers alike. Therefore, it is essential for teachers to listen to any concerns that kids may have and demonstrate understanding, as well as empathy. Regular check-ins have been implemented in some schools to offer students the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations with their teachers and reconnect in an open environment.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND ECO-LITERACY

Project-based education and place-based learning are great ways to introduce kids to environmental responsibility. From growing their own fruits and vegetables, to separating recycling bins and reducing plastic use, or even joining beach clean-ups, there are many benefits to all environmental engagement. These and any other similar eco-friendly activities can become the steppingstone to building a sustainable mindset from a young age. Place-based learning also invites children to learn about the environment and study science in ecological locations, allowing them to learn first-hand about nature.

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COLLABORATION

Fostering collaboration between students helps build interpersonal skills that prepare them for the real world.

Play - For younger students, free play contributes to their cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being. When schools don’t incorporate play into the curriculum, students tend to lack communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. When children play, they learn to work together and figure things out without help from a teacher or an adult.
Interactive fun Interactive classroom activities are another teaching strategy that can enhance the likelihood of positive peer social interaction among students. These are activities that preclude one-way communication or individual learning, instead getting kids involved and engaged with the lessons or material. The great thing about this is that the activities are structured, so that students must interact with one another.
Safe learning space - Today, most public and private schools follow anti-bullying policies to protect children and encourage a friendly and inclusive environment. As most reported bullying situations arise at schools, staff and teachers should possess the know-how and tools to resolve such issues if they arise for your child. As some children are more reserved, teachers and parents should try to be aware of the warning signs – for example, sudden withdrawal from activities, loss of appetite, and change of attitude towards learning and friendships.