Top 6 Trends in Education Today

Sponsored by The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)

Are you planning on becoming a teacher or taking a course in education studies? If so, there are lots of exciting trends ahead! The future of education is set to become even more personalized, mobile and hands-on…

The world of learning and education is moving with the times – and so it should. Thanks to significant improvements in mobile and cloud technologies, digital transformation has invaded virtually every area of life and work – and the 21^st century classroom has not been passed by. Schools at all levels are in need of modern, tech-savvy graduates to take on leading roles. If this sounds like you, read on for an overview of key trends shaping the future of education…

1. Bring your own device (BYOD)

Schools in increasing numbers are implementing BYOD and allowing students and staff to use mobile devices on the Wi-Fi network, and it’s not hard to see why! BYOD comes with many benefits, including greater student engagement, more opportunities for personalized learning, access to a host of uber-trendy pedagogical apps – not to mention the savings on tech, free-flowing information and data, and greater independent learning.

2. Revamped learning spaces

While digital transformation comes with many benefits, it also presents schools with a challenge: how can we foster a love of books in an increasingly digital age? To tackle the challenge, some schools have begun rethinking their libraries as open spaces, or learning hubs conducive to rest, independent learning and creativity.

3. 3D printing

Of course, while there’s been much talk of using 3D printers to assist in the teaching of STEM and design subjects, countries are still prototyping feasible applications. In the UK, for instance, 3D printers have been in large part restricted to the teaching of design, but there is also scope to use 3D printing to teach various concepts within mathematics, biology and engineering. If you’re particularly keen to learn about potential applications – and you should be – you could take advantage of The Education University of Hong Kong’s two 3D printing rooms and a mobile computing lab!

4. Better tools to support dyslexic students

While many schools continue to use outdated phonics-based methods to teach students suffering from dyslexia, the picture is looking better than it did only a few years ago – thanks to the rise of computer-based assistive technologies such as text-to-speech programs and predictive spellers, as well as changes in attitudes surrounding dyslexia and improved awareness of dyslexic brain processes. In the years to come, teachers will be focusing on new ways to support dyslexic children.

5. Student-driven learning

Teachers are increasingly becoming the facilitators (rather than the chief protagonists) of their students’ education and learning experience. Schools in our mobile age are moving away from rote learning toward valuable skill-based wisdom. It is not just about what you know, but rather how you know it, and what you are planning to do with that data. By presenting students with deeper-level questions and instant access to almost infinite data and information, teachers are able to encourage children to become inquisitive problem-solvers and innovators. 

6. The internationalization of education

In today’s global economy, it has become a basic requirement for those working in the education sector to have cross-cultural skills and perspectives. An increasingly popular way to achieve this is by completing a Master of Education overseas. Students in Asian countries often favor graduate schools in the US or Western Europe, while many European and North American students opt for Asian universities. International postgraduate programs in education would prepare students for all the challenges and opportunities ahead – providing an invaluable global understanding of education, access to jobs abroad, and an international community of passionate educators from all four corners of the world.

Train for international careers in education at a world-leading institution                  

The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) is a new university in Asia, focusing on teacher education. EdUHK, formerly known as the Hong Kong Institute of Education, provides a stimulating academic platform for research training and professional doctorate programs to nurture trailblazers and spirited individuals who can make substantial contributions to education and wider development – locally, within Asia, and globally. The university offers a range of postgraduate programs, including a Master of Education, Executive Master of Arts in International Educational Leadership and Change (an International Baccalaureate-accredited program), Master of Teaching and Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as an International Language, to name a few.

For full-time research students in research postgraduate (RPg) programs, EdUHK offers a Research Postgraduate Studentship. The monthly stipend for the 2016-17 academic year ranges from HK$15,000 (approximately US$1,900) to HK$15,600 (approximately US$2,000), depending on the status of the student.

The university greatly encourages its RPg students to present their work internationally. Financial support for these students includes the provision of up to HK$11,000 (approximately US$1,400) for each candidate to attend conferences or workshops which are directly related to their thesis. Furthermore, additional financial support is available to students for conducting their research projects.

In the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject, EdUHK ranks 2nd in Asia and 12th in the world in the field of education, with a strong reputation among academics and high levels of research impact.