Sanjay Sarma, CEO of Asia School of Business, emphasizes the need for a new approach to education that integrates work and hands-on experience. He argues that traditional education models are outdated and that students need to be able to adapt quickly to changes in the job market. He also highlights the importance of online learning and hybrid models in creating a new type of university. Philipp Schmidt, CTO of Axim Collaborative, discusses the shift towards online education and the need for credentials that reflect students' skills and abilities. He suggests the use of digital badges to showcase learning achievements. The article also includes insights from other speakers at the ASB Learning@Work Leadership Summit, who discuss talent-building strategies and interventions to support disadvantaged learners. [418815fe]
The common theme in both inputs is the importance of skills development and collaboration between industry, education, and training sectors to build a skilled workforce that drives economic growth. Both the Business Council of Australia and the British Chambers of Commerce recognize the need for lifelong learning, integration of education and training, and the expansion of micro-credentials. They also highlight the challenges businesses face in finding staff with the right skills and propose solutions such as LSIPs to address skills shortages and drive local economic growth. The emphasis is on taking action and implementing long-term skills plans to support businesses, workers, and local economies. [6c7eb937] [e88cc0d8]
Nexus International School in Singapore champions diversity in education, hosting a truly diverse learner population with no one nationality over 15%. The school's approach is becoming increasingly relevant for globally mobile families seeking comprehensive international exposure for their children in Singapore. The school integrates multiculturalism into education, leveraging its diverse learner body to offer a holistic education that fosters cultural intelligence and adaptability. The curriculum actively prepares students for future job markets, where multicultural competence is increasingly sought after. Nexus International School provides a holistic International Baccalaureate (IB) education for students aged 3 to 18, emphasizing problem-solving, adaptability, and experiential learning.
Educatius has announced the selection of four international participants for the Art Internship at St. Martin's Basic Cycle School in Kartong, The Gambia. The initiative promotes global education, cultural exchange, and creativity, aligning with the UN's Quality Education goal. The selected cohort includes two alumni of Educatius' high school exchange program, an art educator from Massachusetts, and an Educatius Local Coordinator from Utah. The internship aims to enrich students' educational experience and immerse them in global creative traditions. Educatius' partnership with St. Martin's School has been ongoing since 2009, and the Art Internship is part of their commitment to fostering global citizenship and sustainable development. The interns will contribute to a legacy of global education and cultural exchange through artistic collaboration. [1580ce13]
Adrienne Bergthold sent her son, Jasper, to the Arts and Ideas Sudbury School, a K-12 school based on the philosophy of allowing kids to make their own decisions about education. The school has no grades, tests, or homework. Students learn by playing and pursuing their interests, with staff members guiding them. The school follows the Sudbury School educational philosophy, where students make decisions about their own education and participate in making and enforcing school rules. There is no formal curriculum or classrooms, and students have the freedom to play outside, work on projects, or attend workshops on topics they are interested in. The school also offers field trips and activities organized by the students. The only requirement is that students attend school for five consecutive hours, including the core hours of 11-3 p.m. To receive a diploma, students write and defend a thesis about how they have prepared for the real world. Jasper graduated in 2023 and is currently taking a gap year before attending college. The school provides a stress-free environment for students to fall in love with learning and encourages interaction between students of different ages. The author believes that the school gave her son a happy childhood and helped him grow into a secure adult. [3b78b316]
Arizona State University (ASU) should win the Nobel Peace Prize. ASU has had a significant impact on human development and flourishing. ASU's mission of access and scale combined with quality has made it the world's most innovative university. Under President Michael Crow's leadership, ASU has tripled its student census to 150,000, including a 5-fold increase in international students. ASU has pioneered online education, enrolling over 65,000 online students. It has also become a global R&D lab, investing in AI-enabled software tools and virtual reality labs to improve education efficacy. ASU is educating K-12 students through ASU Digital Prep and helping other universities improve quality through Cintana Education. ASU's partnership with Starbucks has allowed over 10,000 employees to earn their college degree. ASU's commitment to access and innovation makes it deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. [22b26730]
Alternative School Break (ASB) at Lafayette College has been helping students address systemic issues for over three decades. ASB offers students the opportunity to learn about social justice issues and form lasting bonds while advocating for marginalized communities. Trips focus on different student-chosen issues such as disability advocacy, housing security, Indigenous rights, and sustainability. ASB trips are not about 'helping' but about learning with and from community partner organizations to understand systemic issues and work collaboratively to dismantle them. In 2024, ASB took its first international trip in four years to Costa Rica to learn about agroecological farming. Future trips will focus on refugee resettlement and LGBTQIA+ homeless youth. ASB emphasizes education and reflection as important components of the experience, allowing students to constantly learn and develop. The organization is recommended for students passionate about global issues and willing to work toward solutions. [2dc2093d]
Arkansas State University (ASU) is playing a leading role in building employee training programs for the steel industry in Arkansas. ASU is collaborating with steel companies to develop customized training programs and curriculum to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry. The goal is to provide the necessary skills and education to meet the workforce demands of the steel industry and support its growth in Arkansas. This industry-driven approach to workforce development is seen as a way to bridge the gap between education and employment. [a38da9c8]