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Find out moreConnecting Times is the Task of School
Today, the concept of human capital, developed in the 1960s, continues to occupy a central place in the discussions of economists. People are often viewed as "resources" or "the new oil." However, when I hear about the connection between school and the market, it amuses me. School is a redundant structure relative to the market; it is much easier and cheaper to create something simpler. Education in school should not be reduced to preparation for adult life or the transformation of knowledge into capital. It is the very essence of life, its richness and diversity.
School plays a key role in shaping the economy, since it is here that the foundations of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful professional activity are laid. In a rapidly changing world, it is important to adapt educational programs to meet the current requirements of the labor market. The key question remains how to prepare highly qualified specialists capable of working effectively in conditions of uncertainty and innovation.
Interaction between schools, families, universities, and employers is becoming increasingly important. It is necessary to develop a unified approach to the educational process, in which each participant understands their role. Schools should not only impart knowledge but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. In this context, not only the content of the curriculum but also teaching methods, which should be focused on the practical application of knowledge, become important.
Discussion and cooperation between all parties—schools, families, universities, and employers—will help create an effective educational ecosystem. This will allow future specialists not only to successfully integrate into the labor market but also to actively participate in its development, which in turn will contribute to sustainable economic growth.
As the Nobel Prize laureate noted, predictions are always fraught with difficulties. Predicting the future is especially difficult. This statement highlights the difficulty of forecasting and the uncertainty that scientists and analysts face. With the emergence of new technologies and changing societal trends, the task of predicting the future becomes even more complex. We live in an era of rapid development, and to adequately assess what lies ahead, we must take into account many factors.
I remain convinced that, regardless of what our economic future turns out to be, the primary task of schools is to create a bridge between generations. Schools provide a unique space where adults and children can interact, giving them the opportunity to master the complex art of mutual understanding and listening. This interaction not only promotes personal development but also helps shape a resilient society where different points of view and experiences are valued.
I am confident that this will continue. However, the key change will be a shift in role models. Role positions in the relationships between children, the school, parents, teachers, the state, and society will be transformed. I hope that schools will begin to view the child as its primary beneficiary. To strengthen this "child-centrism", schools need to recognize that relationships between generations are undergoing significant changes. This understanding will help create a more harmonious educational environment, where the interests and needs of children will be the center of attention.
Schools need to adapt to modern realities and learn to go beyond traditional educational frameworks. However, the main goal remains unchanged. School is a space where different generations interact: dialogue between students and teachers, interaction between students themselves, and communication with parents. Unfortunately, the existing mass model of school education exacerbates the generation gap. To change this situation, schools must rethink their role, focusing not only on the transfer of knowledge but also on motivation. It is important to actively inspire students, encouraging them to learn and develop, which is a key aspect of the modern educational process.
If school does not arouse interest and does not solve basic problems, then what is the point? A well-known children's cartoon says: "Barankin, be a human being!" This does not mean becoming an engineer, an astronaut, or an IT specialist. The main thing is to be a human being. It is important that the educational process develops not only professional skills but also human qualities such as empathy, responsibility, and critical thinking. Education should inspire personal development, not just the acquisition of knowledge.
In the Tradition of the Wizards of Earthsea
Ursula Le Guin's "A Wizard of Earthsea" tells the story of a boy who comes to a wizard with a desire to become one. The wizard invites him to stay on his island, and the boy begins to observe him. A week passes, then another, but the young man cannot bear it and asks: "When will you begin to teach me?" To this, the wizard replies with a smile: "Don't you realize? I've already been teaching you for two weeks." This passage emphasizes the importance of the learning process and the understanding that lessons can occur not only in the traditional format, but also through observation and experience. "A Wizard of Earthsea" is a striking example of fantasy literature, where the theme of magic is intertwined with deep philosophical reflections on knowledge and mastery.
The school must not be destroyed. The most important events within it may lie outside the framework of officially approved programs, regardless of their content. Historically, without school, opportunities for socialization for young students and adolescents are significantly reduced. Although new spaces for interaction between adolescents, such as various subcultures, are emerging, school remains an important center of socialization. At the same time, there are many educational institutions to which both teachers and students of all ages long to return. This applies even to graduates who completed school 15-20 years ago. School remains an important part of life, forming not only knowledge but also social connections that can persist for many years.
Throughout history, education has been strictly regulated and served as one of the most clearly defined social spaces. In the modern world, school must provide students with a broad experience of interacting with unpredictable situations. It must become a place where not everything is subject to strict definition, allowing for the development of critical thinking and adaptability. It is important that the educational process foster the development of the skills necessary for successful life in a dynamically changing society.
Discussions about old role models often raise opposing opinions. Some argue that school has lost its role as a place for acquiring knowledge, since information is easily found on the internet, and its primary function is to develop practical skills. Others emphasize the need to develop soft skills. There is also an opinion that developing emotional intelligence is most important. In this context, many are trying to determine how to measure personality development, examining academic achievements through the prism of tests, knowledge, and skills. It is important to understand that modern education must take all these aspects into account in order to effectively prepare students for the challenges of the future.
Many researchers are actively striving to compile an accurate list of hard and soft skills to create the ideal portrait of a modern person. By combining soft and hard skills, one can determine what a person should be like and how to effectively interact with them. Understanding these skills helps in personal and professional development, and also promotes successful collaboration in a team.
I am often misunderstood. I support the importance of knowledge, skills, and abilities as fundamental elements of school life. However, the key question is where they fit within our hierarchy of thought. These aspects should not overshadow the deeper values and principles that shape our perception of the world and personal development.
I am convinced that in today's world, not only "hard skills" and popular "soft skills" should be paramount. The key criterion for success in education is the ability to pre-adapt: the willingness to boldly make decisions and act in situations that have no analogues in the experience of others. It is important to not be afraid to face uncertainty and unpredictability, which allows us to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and challenges.
Readiness to meet challenges is an important guideline in education and a prerequisite for optimism in the face of change. The concepts of "soft skills" and "hard skills" are merely simplifications of reality and a reflection of temporary trends. Relying on replacing old, one-dimensional approaches with new, more multifaceted ideas is insufficient for success. People with limited thinking face difficulties in finding new perspectives. It is essential to develop critical thinking and adaptability to remain competitive in the modern world.
In Boris Mikhailovich Teplov's "The Mind of a Commander," first published in 1943, the author explores the concept that a commander's gift can be represented as a square, the sides of which represent will and intellect. Teplov argues that the balance between these two qualities is critical to successful leadership. An excess of willpower with a lack of intellect leads to failure, just as an excess of intellect with a lack of willpower leads to failure. This concept applies not only to military leaders but also to entrepreneurs, who must also maintain a balance between will and intellect. However, in the destinies of most people today, there may be many more dimensions than just two, and it is not always possible to predict their influence in advance.
The Semantic Space of School: New Coordinates
A lesson is traditionally perceived as a closed space in which an adult imparts knowledge to children in the form of a monologue. However, modern education requires a change in this approach. It is necessary to create an open atmosphere where students can actively participate in the learning process, ask questions, and express their thoughts. This format promotes a deeper understanding of the material and the development of critical thinking in children. It is important that the educational process become interactive, which will allow children not only to assimilate knowledge but also to develop communication and collaboration skills.
Let's recall the diverse communities, both open and secret, that existed in Pushkin's era, as well as formal and informal ones, like the "kitchen conversations" of the Soviet intelligentsia. These communication spaces united people through kinship. In our world, there are not many places where you can truly talk and share thoughts. Perhaps a well-conducted lesson is precisely the space and time where this kindred spirit emerges.
I believe in the traditional school and in new educational formats that break down stereotypes and open up access to diverse educational opportunities. These innovative approaches can become key tools for expanding knowledge and skills, offering students unique paths to personal and professional growth.
In the 2010s, online educational projects in the natural sciences actively developed in Russia. These initiatives united dozens of school groups from across the country and offered unique in-person and distance learning programs for students. The projects included methodological seminars for teachers, summer schools, and joint projects between schools, universities, and research institutes. Such educational programs have contributed to improving the quality of education in the field of natural sciences and the training of future specialists.
This is a new evolutionary form that does not It disrupts the existing order and sets ambitious goals. It does not duplicate the traditional school system, but significantly expands the educational ecosystem. This form was developed by specific individuals who first attracted dozens, then hundreds, and then thousands of like-minded individuals to their ideas. They succeeded in establishing a mutually respectful dialogue between administrators, methodologists, teachers, students, as well as representatives of universities, businesses, and government agencies. This collaboration creates new opportunities for educational development and fosters a more dynamic and adaptive educational environment.
The architects of the future in education are not simply those who discuss the problems of tomorrow, but those who actively work on solutions in the present. They understand that modernity is not an immutable given and are confident that we are shaping it in every moment. These innovators strive to create new educational experiences that reflect the needs and challenges of the times.
Cultural and educational practices are expanding the horizons of schools, and to successfully adapt to these changes, it is necessary not only to understand them but also to translate them into the language of a constructive approach to reality, rather than a mere prediction. In this context, educational specialists will need "interpreters" who will explain new concepts rather than simply prescribe them. They will also need the role of "translators" who will teach how to navigate new developmental trends. This will create a more flexible and modern educational environment that fosters the full development of students.
A pressing task is to expand the educational space of schools and overcome the egocentrism associated with one-sided assessments. This will create a more complete and objective understanding of the learning process and improve interactions between students, teachers, and parents. Expanding the horizons of educational perception will help develop critical thinking and flexibility in students, which is an important aspect of modern learning.
The fashionable concept of "lifelong education"
Lifelong learning has always existed, but in recent years there have been significant changes. Previously, a person who studied from childhood to old age was perceived as unusual. Today, life requires a revision of conventional views: the outdated saying "if you want to live, be able to spin" has given way to the new formula "if you want to live, be able to learn." The modern world requires constant updating of knowledge and skills, which makes learning an integral part of a successful life.
Previously, professional retraining and obtaining a second degree were perceived as a mistake and a waste of money. However, today this is becoming the norm for successful middle-aged people who have not changed their specialty. In today's conditions, constant changes in the labor market require flexibility and a willingness to meet new challenges. Therefore, investing in professional development is an important step toward career advancement and increased competitiveness.
The "teaching how to learn" formula shouldn't be viewed as a skill that can simply be trained. It's not a skill, but motivation. I am wary of attempts to describe human personality through the prism of skills. Trying to implement the "teaching how to learn" principle, training it to the point of automatism, only suppresses interest in education. It's important to understand that learning should be a process that sparks curiosity and a desire to learn new things, not a mechanical completion of tasks. True learning begins with intrinsic motivation and a desire for self-improvement, not with the mechanical repetition of skills.
It would be naive to believe that a "Learn to Learn" program could be created as a separate discipline, separated from the general educational process and subject-specific instruction. It's important to understand that the goal isn't to replace academic subjects, but to change attitudes toward them. Effective learning requires integrating self-regulation and critical thinking skills into the context of the subjects being studied, allowing students to master fundamental knowledge more deeply and consciously. This approach helps students develop strong study habits and improve their overall academic performance. Educational programs should emphasize the importance of interactions between subjects and learning skills, making the process more holistic and effective.
In today's world, it's especially important to develop flexible thinking and behavioral skills in children. Fundamental scientific knowledge, which is key to fostering such flexibility, serves as the foundation for this. Knowledge from classical literature, such as Shakespeare's works, and the exact sciences, such as Newton's laws, certainly contribute to this process. They provide universal methods for understanding the world around us and solving various problems. Newton's binomial theorem remains relevant anywhere in the world, serving as a language of mutual understanding essential for personal growth and self-realization. It's important to view disciplines such as physics, mathematics, biology, and chemistry not only as natural sciences but also as humanities that shape a holistic understanding of the world. These sciences can act as an effective tool for intercultural communication, surpassing even specially developed languages, such as Esperanto.
Physics is the basis for many aspects of science fiction. The remarkable writer Daniil Danin, in his book about physicists, called it "the inevitability of a strange world." It is important to recognize and feel this strangeness not only in poetry, but also in physics itself. Understanding physics opens the door to a world of amazing possibilities and unexpected discoveries, which makes it so attractive to writers and readers of science fiction. Physics is not just a science; it inspires the creation of new universes and unique plots, where laws operate that can surprise and delight.
From Today's Possibilities to Future Motives
The ideology of dignity is based on a consistent path from self-discipline to self-reliance, and then to full self-realization of the individual. This process begins with the development of internal discipline, which is the basis for achieving autonomy. Self-reliance, in turn, leads to the unleashing of a person's full potential, which includes both personal growth and professional development. Thus, the ideology of dignity emphasizes the importance of these stages for achieving harmony and success in life.
The modern teacher recognizes the importance of knowledge, skills, and competencies, but views them as tools for achieving goals, not as an end in themselves. They act as a translator, helping the child transform today's opportunities into future motivations. It is important to understand that the range of opportunities today has significantly expanded, and schools no longer have a monopoly on children's development.
Education is expanding beyond the traditional school system. School will not disappear, and the formal foundations of general education will remain, but additional education will become increasingly important. This sector will become increasingly personalized, responding to the individual needs and interests of students. Technological advances and access to diverse educational resources are enabling supplementary education to take on new forms and methods, allowing each student to create their own unique educational path. Schools will emerge from their silos, transforming into modern educational institutions capable of attracting attention and creating centers of attraction for students and parents. Such schools already exist today, and their number will only increase in the future. These institutions will be not only educational but also social hubs, utilizing innovative approaches to learning and community engagement. I envision the future of school as a multitude of diverging paths. The word "school" comes from the Greek word for "leisure." In the future, school will once again become a place of leisure, where people will be exposed to cultural values and receive moral education. Moreover, this leisure will be the kind of leisure that people themselves seek, choosing a path of learning and development in accordance with their interests and needs. The school will become a space of freedom, where everyone can explore the world of knowledge and creativity, developing their individuality and strengthening their moral principles.
