Challenges of the New Era that Shape New Tasks of Education

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1. ১৬ সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০২৪ / ৬৪ জন দেখেছেন

• HOSSAIN MOHAMMAD SAGAR

In the fast-paced, digitally-driven 21st century, education faces unprecedented challenges that require a comprehensive rethinking of its methods, goals, and outcomes. From technological disruptions and social inequality to environmental crises and political upheavals, the education sector is at a crossroads where adapting to new realities is not just an option, but a necessity. As online journalists, it is our responsibility to highlight these emerging challenges and their implications for the future of education.

The Digital Revolution: Transforming Education Beyond the Classroom

The digital age has fundamentally altered the way knowledge is accessed, shared, and consumed. Online learning platforms, digital classrooms, and virtual universities are becoming the norm, redefining traditional education models. However, while these technological innovations bring immense opportunities for greater accessibility and flexibility, they also present new challenges.

In Bangladesh, during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and universities shifted to online education. However, a study by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) showed that only 37.6% of households had access to the internet. Rural areas, particularly in districts like Kurigram and Satkhira, faced severe challenges in continuing education due to lack of internet infrastructure and digital devices.

To bridge the digital divide in Bangladesh, the government must invest in expanding internet connectivity in rural areas and provide affordable digital devices to students. Initiatives like “Shikkhok Batayon” (Teacher’s Portal) can be scaled up with the inclusion of offline content to reach those without internet access.

The Rise of AI and Automation: Shaping New Curricula

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are revolutionizing industries at an unprecedented rate, making certain jobs obsolete while creating entirely new ones. This shift requires an urgent reevaluation of what we teach in schools and universities. The traditional focus on rote memorization and standardized testing is becoming increasingly irrelevant in an era where AI can perform repetitive tasks more efficiently than humans.

The ready-made garment (RMG) industry, one of Bangladesh’s largest employers, is increasingly adopting automation in production lines. This shift has left thousands of low-skilled workers at risk of job displacement. Education systems, including vocational training, are slow to integrate skills such as AI, coding, and robotics into their curricula.

Bangladesh can enhance its education system by integrating AI, robotics, and data science courses from secondary school onward. Partnerships between the government and private tech firms, such as Grameenphone’s “Digital Skills for Future” initiative, can equip both students and professionals with future-ready skills.

Globalization and Cultural Identity: Balancing Unity and Diversity

Globalization has connected the world like never before, enabling the exchange of ideas, cultures, and information across borders. While this offers students exposure to diverse perspectives, it also poses the challenge of preserving cultural identity within a globalized education framework. The task of education in this context is twofold: fostering global citizens who are open-minded and inclusive, while also ensuring that students remain rooted in their cultural and historical values.

The rise of English-medium schools in Bangladesh has led to concerns about cultural alienation. Many students in these institutions are less familiar with Bangla literature and history, potentially losing touch with their cultural roots. The National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) has attempted to counter this by incorporating more local content in curricula.

The education system should prioritize bilingual education that gives equal importance to both global and local knowledge. A stronger emphasis on cultural studies, including Bangla literature and history, should be made mandatory even in English-medium institutions.

Environmental Crisis and Sustainability: A New Educational Imperative

The growing environmental crisis presents another urgent challenge for education in the new era. As climate change accelerates, educators must equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues and drive sustainable development. This means integrating environmental education into all disciplines, from science to economics to social studies, and fostering a sense of responsibility for the planet.

Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, with rising sea levels threatening coastal regions such as Khulna and Barisal. However, environmental education remains underrepresented in the national curriculum. While some NGOs, like the Bangladesh Youth Environmental Initiative (BYEI), have launched youth awareness programs, these efforts are not yet mainstreamed.

Environmental education must be integrated into the core curriculum from primary to tertiary levels. Bangladesh can also partner with international organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to develop sustainability programs and practical field projects that involve students in real-world environmental problem-solving.

Mental Health and Well-being: Supporting Students in a Changing World

The pressures of the modern world — from academic stress and social media to the uncertainty of the future job market — are taking a toll on the mental health of students. The COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified these challenges, with many students experiencing anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation due to prolonged remote learning.

A 2021 survey by BRAC University revealed that 49% of university students in Bangladesh reported increased levels of anxiety and stress due to the uncertainty of their academic futures and career prospects during the pandemic. Despite this, mental health resources in educational institutions remain minimal.

Schools and universities in Bangladesh should prioritize mental health by hiring counselors and integrating mental health education into their curriculum. Programs like “Moner Janala,” an initiative by the Bangladesh Ministry of Health, should be expanded to reach students nationwide.

Redefining the Role of Teachers: From Knowledge Providers to Mentors

In this rapidly evolving landscape, the role of teachers is also changing. No longer simply dispensers of knowledge, teachers are now expected to be mentors, facilitators, and guides in a student’s learning journey. With the wealth of information available at students’ fingertips through the internet, teachers must focus on helping students critically evaluate information, develop independent thinking, and apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

In Bangladesh, a pilot project by the Ministry of Education called “Digital Bangladesh: Smart Teachers” aimed to train teachers in digital tools and methodologies. However, many teachers in rural areas still struggle with the transition from traditional teaching to digital and student-centered approaches due to inadequate training.

Continuous professional development for teachers is essential. Training programs that enhance pedagogical skills, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence can empower teachers to better mentor students. The government can collaborate with international organizations, such as UNESCO, to provide teachers with global best practices in education.

Expert Opinion: Overcoming Challenges in Bangladesh’s Education Sector

According to Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) in Bangladesh, overcoming these challenges requires a multi-faceted, collaborative approach. She emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships to build infrastructure, improve teacher training, and integrate modern technology into classrooms.

“The government alone cannot solve these issues. We need businesses, international development agencies, and civil society to work together to address the digital divide, modernize the curriculum, and tackle environmental and mental health challenges in education,” she says.

Additionally, Dr. Afsan Chowdhury, an education and media expert, suggests that context-specific solutions must be developed that take into account Bangladesh’s socio-economic realities. “We must strike a balance between adopting global educational trends and preserving our unique cultural and historical context,” he says, stressing the importance of locally designed initiatives that are rooted in Bangladeshi culture and heritage.

With these collaborative efforts and an adaptive, inclusive approach, Bangladesh can overcome the challenges shaping the future of education and emerge as a leader in the region.

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