Learning crisis?

There is a lot of information implying that, the learning crisis is, actually, a teaching crisis. For learners to learn, they need good teachers—but many governments and education systems don't focus on what teachers know, what they do in the classroom, and in some cases whether they even show up as would be required of them and if they did,do they actually have enough learner contact time?

But all in all, in every country, there are dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who, despite all challenges, enrich and transform the learners lives. They are the heroes and heroines who defy the odds and make learning happen with passion, creativity and determination.In  my country Kenya ,for example,there are several such dedicated educators and the whole world is well aware of Teacher Tabichi. This is a teacher who wants to make sure that ALL children learn despite their background.Therefore given the essential role teachers play, addressing the learning crisis requires supporting them, who are the single most important driver of how much students learn in school.

That said, even heroes need help. We need to  ensure that all teachers are motivated to do their best and that they are equipped with what they need to teach effectively.To support all teachers,countries globally should have platforms for teachers that address the key challenges making teachers ineffective, making teaching a respectable and attractive profession with effective personnel policies, and ensuring teachers are equipped with the right skills and knowledge before entering the classroom and subsequently supporting them throughout their career.

As the world goes through alot of change,more so in technology,the education systems of all countries should not be left behind but should embrace technology in their curricula in totality.This is because technology offers new possibilities for teaching and learning processes.

Fast technological change is raising the stakes.This is so because technology is already playing a major role in providing support to teachers, students, and the learning process more widely. It assists the  teachers better manage the classroom and offer different challenges to different students. And technology  allows principals, parents, and students to interact seamlessly using its various platforms .Learners world over are benefiting from the intentional  and effective use of technology, though numbers maybe less in the developing countries.

Take for instance my country Kenya,Jane  a learner from the rural areas  and uses her mother's phone in the evening to study only when the mother can afford bundles.She says that what she likes this new mode of  learning through watching of videos and tutorials on the cell phone. Although Jane just started this some months into the Covid pandemic,taking her childhood curiosity as a starting point,if this is supported and encouraged it will  push her towards shifting from the traditional way of learning in a way that interests Jane as she emrbraces,little by little,the"new normal".

Many of us may be aware that  learning happens best when instruction is personalized to meet the needs and strengths of each child, individual progress is tracked, and prompt feedback provided. This is what has been done through the years especially where and when learning process takes place one on one.However,change is always with us and no different in the education systems.Given that most countries are adopting technology,though not at the same ratebut many are on the right track.Therefore,it is worth nothing that ,adaptive technology could aslo be used to evaluate students at each learning level in a dynamic, personalized way, based on artificial intelligence and what the student is ready to learn.

As the field of technology is developing at unbelievable speeds, innovative solutions to educational challenges are springing up everywhere. Our challenge is to make technology a driver of equity and inclusion and not a source of greater inequality of opportunity. And when all this is evolving,the major driver,who is the teacher,should not be left behind.