Because of constantly changing times, improving the educational system is an essential step. To become mature, successful adults, students need guidance from both parents and teachers. Schools should be able to provide the best education regardless their financial possibilities. Creative educators can make a positive change with more effort and implication. Here are some suggestions on how to improve education in schools.
Personal development planning
Students should be encouraged to evaluate and reflect upon their learning experiences so they can plan their own development. Personal development planning is an active learning process that can help individuals improve themselves and understand what and why they are learning. The teacher can encourage them to reflect upon the leaning process and take responsibility, so they can set their own personal goals and create a wider vision. It is important to have the ability to transfer knowledge from one context to another.
Student-centered learning
Student-centered learning or learning-centered teaching is a teaching method that focuses on the active processes of learning. Traditionally, educators concentrated on what they were doing and not what the students were learning. Such behavior encouraged passive observers that did not take any responsibility for the process. This approach takes the teacher out of the critical role and encourages the students to be more empowered, and so intrinsic motivation increases. Individuals become more committed, confident and the perception of control over learning leads to better results in school.
Encourage creativity
More and more schools are finding reasons to curtail recess and art programs so they make room for academics. Music, art programs and physical activities help students develop problem-solving skills. Many teachers don’t know how to improve education through art. A book club, a writer’s critique group, a music band, sculpture and design classes are great ways to stimulate creativity.
Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning encourages students to use documents and data instead of memorizing facts from just one source. Of course, project-based classwork is more demanding but it is worth it because it encourages a more complex study of topics based on real-world issues. Teachers can go beyond textbook studies and initiate long lasting projects that cover an entire course. This way students master principles from traditional courses in a meaningful way.
Embrace technology
Technology is part of our daily lives and learning how to apply it is the key to success. Teachers need to know how to improve education using all tools available. Schools must keep their equipment updated and constantly upgrade the technological curricula. New technology also provides teaching opportunities and improves every aspect of schools. Students can share their work and communicate faster with each other. They can use material gathered online to research and implement projects.
