The Rising Necessity of ‘Life Skills’ Not Taught in Textbooks?

There is a noticeable gap between what is taught in schools and the skills needed in the real world. What if this trend continues? How will our education system change?

1. Today’s News

Source:
School didn’t teach these skills, but every student needs them now

Summary:

• As AI and globalization progress, the skills required from students are changing.
• Financial literacy and communication skills, essential in real life, are not often covered in school education.
• Companies seek immediate contributions, yet school education is centered around exam preparation, lacking practical skills.

2. Considering the Background

The education system has prioritized scoring high on exams for many years. However, in a rapidly changing social environment, this approach has reached its limits. With the evolution of technology and globalization, the real challenges students face have become complex, requiring more practical skills. This gap affects companies and society as a whole, raising expectations for educational reform.

3. What does the future hold?

Hypothesis 1 (Neutral): A Future Where Practical Skills Become the Norm

The education system may gradually begin to change, making AI, financial literacy, and communication skills essential subjects. As a result, students may acquire more practical skills during their school life. A future may arrive where ‘education beneficial for practical work’ becomes the standard, and the divide between education and the real world slowly closes.

Hypothesis 2 (Optimistic): A Future with Significant Development of Personalized Learning

Personalized learning programs catering to the individual needs of each student may spread, with AI technology at the core. By providing optimal learning methods and skills for each student, learning efficiency could improve dramatically. This would enable students to build more unique careers, and the value of ‘learning is fun’ may spread.

Hypothesis 3 (Pessimistic): A Future Where Traditional Education Drifts Away

While practical skills are emphasized, there is a growing tendency to overlook traditional liberal arts such as philosophy and history. As a result, students might become more fixated on immediate benefits, making it difficult to maintain a comprehensive perspective. The loss of ‘critical thinking’ and ‘cultural understanding’ may lead to a lack of deep insight across society.

4. Tips for What We Can Do

Perspective Tips

• Re-defining the purpose of education from ‘scoring points’ to ‘fostering the ability to thrive in society’.
• Deepening learning in daily life and consciously incorporating practical skills.

Small Practical Tips

• Regularly check the news and stay sensitive to global trends.
• Learn new skills together with children through simple projects at home.

5. What Would You Do?

• How would you like to acquire practical skills?
• What changes do you wish to see in school education?
• What do you hope for in the future of education?

What future have you envisioned? Please share your thoughts through quotes or comments on social media.