The need for managers of Nigeria education system to adopt a more robust 21st century learning approach in order to compete favourably among the comity of nations, has again being stressed.
Educationists observe that the nation’s education system has over the years focused on theory based learning rather than explore the huge potential inherent in 2st century teaching and learning models.
Johann Ari Larusson, lead, Center for Digital Data, Analytics and Adaptive Learning at the Pearson Research and Innovation Network in the United States, in his keynote address at a public lecture organised by Corona Schools in Lagos believes that a key focus of future education and learning in Nigeria, like all countries, should be on preparing learners for success in a dynamic, 21st Century world.
Larusson in his lecture titled ‘Teaching and Learning for the Next Generation’ opines that if the current and next generation of learners is to thrive in a future, the 21st Century environment must provide them with content that will prepare them for the jobs and workplaces of the future and deliver this content in a way that reflects modern life.
According to him, “This will require a transformation of how, when and where we teach, all the while focusing on providing educational experiences that make a real and positive difference to the lives of learners and the communities in which they live”.
He further disclosed that the future of education in Nigeria and beyond will be driven by the appropriate collaboration between learning science, data science and machine learning, even more so than today.
“That is, teaching and learning processes will be motivated by the information provided through comprehensive data and analytics, as well as highly detailed feedback and assessment. In addition, technology will make teaching more student-focused in the future”.
“21st Century skills, or higher order thinking skills, will likely be embedded across all subjects in the curriculum, at all levels. These are all positive changes to teaching and learning as we know it, and should have a meaningful impact on the learning outcomes of students here in Nigeria and around the world”. He said
Olufunto Igun, Chief Executive Officer of Corona Schools’ Trust Council, said the specific goal of the Public Lecture was to: Explore global trends and best practices for teaching and learning as well as possible solutions for addressing challenges and constraints, Identify areas of collaboration among education stakeholders, Discover innovative ways to improve learning in the classroom.
Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos state who was represented by Babafela Bank-Olemoh, one of his Special Adviser described the 60th anniversary of the school as a landmark achievement saying that it is only through qualitative education that the children can face the challenges of the modern age.
He congratulated the school’s management for the progress that has been achieved over the years.
The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion on Preparing Learners to Compete Favourably in Increasingly Complex Work and Life Situations; and Learning and Innovation in Today’s Classroom.
Panelists included the keynote speaker, Johann Ari Larusson and, Folasade Adefisayo (CEO, Leading Learning Ltd), Tokunbo Onosode (Acting Director, Quality Assurance, Universal Basic Education Council, (UBEC), Gbolahan Daodu (Outgoing Executive Chair, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB), Craig Heaton (Head Teacher, St. Saviour’s School, Ikoyi.
Olisaemeka Osakwe (Student, Corona Secondary School Agbara), and the moderator Yemisi Ikuomola (Project Director, Panache Meets Ltd)
KELECHI EWUZIE
