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2021 is over and it’s safe to say education has faced its biggest challenges yet. Even if you don’t feel prepared for the future, there’s still plenty you can achieve in the meantime.
Education trends often favor cost-savings, providing versatility in teaching methods, and staying up-to-date on the latest technology. And throughout the pandemic, education has rapidly shifted toward alternative teaching models.
So, what else should you know about when it comes to education’s top trends? Here are some of the biggest education trends you need to be aware of in 2022.
Education is no stranger to change. In fact, education has been experiencing a large-scale transformation thanks to the rise of disruptive technologies, the implementation of new learning methodologies, and the growing need for fully integrated systems.
1. Hybrid-Learning
Hybrid learning is more than a simple trend. For many students, it’s quickly become a new way of life. This method combines in-person learning with online classes to support student flexibility.
While not always being in the class can be challenging to adapt to, it’s proving very popular among different demographics. Students with mental illness, physical disabilities, long commutes, and unique learning styles can heavily benefit from hybrid learning.
2. Artificial Intelligence
Technology continues to disrupt education in more ways than we can imagine, and nothing has more transformative potential than artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is a valuable and dynamic tool designed to address the needs of teachers, students, and families through the power of automation and self-learning.
Artificial intelligence is used for a variety of purposes, such as:
3. Social-Emotional Health
Mental and emotional wellness is a fundamental issue. We already know the pandemic has exasperated mental health issues, such as depression, stress, social anxiety, and more.
Social and emotional health is best addressed with the aid of a professional. More schools than ever are investing in counselors and therapists to help students complete their day-to-day tasks.
4. Genius Hour/Passion Project
This trend is an exciting idea that is catching on quickly. The genius hour—or passion project —entails giving students passion projects to work on alongside their general tasks.
There are a few rules required for the genius hour:
The goal is to encourage students to think big, experiment, and discover the joys of learning.
5. STEAM Curriculum
The STEM field continues to be a popular choice for students looking for a lucrative career. However, the hyperfocus on STEM subjects has led to increasing neglect for non-STEM subjects like language, arts, and more.
STEAM seeks to balance things out by adding more creative, personal, and social focuses to school curriculums. These subjects include (but aren’t limited to):
6. Applied Learning
It’s not always easy for students to learn verbally or through the written word. A hands-on approach provides them with the ability to “learn on the fly”.
Applied learning is a set of teaching principles that focuses more on action than passive observation. It’s beneficial for students with short attention spans and students who prefer kinetic learning.
7. Bite-Sized Learning
The age of the Internet gives us a wealth of information at a glance. The downside to this access means some students can struggle to focus.
Bite-sized learning prioritizes sessions in smaller chunks. This definition means shorter classes and a higher level of focus on single topics. Another feature of bite-sized learning is having homework done in class so students can relax and play at home.
Are you struggling to narrow down your educational goals for 2022? We provide educators with the tools and hard data they need to make informed decisions going forward.
8. Gamification
Who says learning can’t be fun and engaging? Gamification takes the thrill of a videogame and combines it with learning enrichment.
Gamification can be a straightforward game with the intent to teach a specific subject or skill. This definition can also mean playing games in class to help children loosen up and socialize. There are many ways to enjoy gamification, so take this as permission to get creative.
9. Self-Care
The term ‘self-care’ is widespread, which has the side-effect of starting to sound meaningless. At its core, self-care ensures students aren’t neglecting their everyday needs.
Self-care shouldn’t be left solely in the student’s hands. Teachers need to encourage their students to ask for help and request breaks when needed. An environment in which a student feels they can’t be honest is an environment that can’t thrive.
10. Digital Citizenship
This term can come off as a little odd, but it essentially means fluency in digital media. While students today are more familiar than ever with the Internet, that doesn’t mean they use it in a healthy manner.
Digital citizenship can look like:
Related: 5 Signs it’s Time for Your School District to Switch to a New Student Information System
Education trends point to a natural shift to a more inclusive, attentive, and compassionate society. Ideally, these trends should have long-term staying power.
It’s clear 2022 should be an exciting year when it comes to education trends, from the rise of AI-powered solutions, embracing soft skills, to digital citizenship. Wherever education goes, there’s no denying how far we’ve come in only two years.
Where do you get started applying new education trends? Contact us today to discover how we blend strategy and technology to help school districts achieve their outcomes.
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