In the digital era where technology and society have leaped forward—smartphones, streaming, social media, the education system, much like our gadgets, has seen some upgrades over the years. 

But what about the classroom? They’ve hit the pause button. Many teaching methods feel like they're stuck in a time warp, like trying to run the latest app on an old flip phone. Back then, rote learning was the backbone of education. You were expected to know everything by heart, even if it didn’t make much sense. 

So, what are the things schools should change? In the next section, we’ll explore specific areas in the education system that need an urgent overhaul.

Rethinking the Rote Learning Approach

Ever wondered why the classroom hasn’t kept up? It’s because of those endless hours of rote memorization! Cramming dates, formulas, and facts into your brain; but creativity and critical thinking were often left out in the cold.

If you were lucky, you had a teacher who made the material come alive. But more often, class was a monotonous cycle of reading aloud from textbooks, with little explanation to spark your interest.

But in a world where information is just a click away, is memorizing still as crucial?

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Instead of focusing on rote memorization, the education system should emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. 

Imagine a classroom where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore different solutions, and develop their own ideas. For instance, instead of just learning that 2+2=4, why not teach them why it equals 4, and how they can apply that understanding in real life? 

These are exactly the things schools should change to make learning more meaningful and to better prepare children for real-world challenges. 

By shifting from memorization to a deeper understanding, we can equip students with the skills they need to thrive in today's fast-paced world.

Also Read: Pros and Cons of Personalized Learning for Students

Less Emphasis on Standardized Testing

Back in the day, standardized tests were the ultimate judgment of a student’s worth. 

These tests were seen as the great equalizer, but in reality, they often do more harm than good.

Remember the anxiety of those high-stakes exams, where a single grade felt like it held the keys to your future?

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Standardized tests should not be the only measure of a student’s abilities! Period. 

We need to shift towards a more holistic evaluation system that considers a child’s strengths, talents, and growth over time. For instance, project-based learning and portfolio assessments could offer a more accurate representation of a student’s capabilities. 

A child who struggles with test anxiety might excel in hands-on projects, demonstrating their knowledge in ways that a test could never capture.

With Mentor Match, you can discover the best strategies for your child’s growth and development.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Real-Life Skills

For many of us, the jump from school to adulthood felt more like a leap into the unknown. 

We knew how to solve quadratic equations but had no clue about managing finances, cooking a meal, or even fixing a leaky tap.

Think back to when you left school and entered the “real world.” How prepared did you feel? 

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

The education system needs to incorporate practical life skills into the curriculum. 

Imagine if alongside math and science, students were also taught how to budget, file taxes, or even basic home repairs. These are skills that everyone needs but are often left out of traditional education. 

Schools should offer courses that prepare students for the realities of adult life, from financial literacy to basic first aid.

Personalized Learning Over One-Size-Fits-All

The traditional one-size-fits-all approach to education often left students feeling disengaged or overwhelmed. For some, it meant boredom as they waited for their peers to catch up. For others, it meant struggling to keep pace with a curriculum that didn’t cater to their individual needs or learning styles.

The one-size-fits-all approach often left students bored or overwhelmed.

Remember those long classes where we either tuned out because the material was too easy or struggled because it was too hard?

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Instead of a single, rigid curriculum, personalized learning would allow for lessons that adapt to each child’s strengths, challenges, and passions. A student who excels in math could explore advanced problems and real-world applications, while someone with a flair for storytelling could delve deeper into creative writing and literature.

By tailoring education to meet individual needs, parents can help children thrive in every aspect, turning the classroom from a place of frustration into one of excitement and discovery.

Consider getting personalized support from Mentor Match and explore how our experts can help them thrive academically and personally.

Fostering Emotional Intelligence

Back in the day, emotional struggles were often dismissed with advice like “toughen up” or “don’t be so sensitive.” Today, we understand that emotional intelligence is just as crucial as academic skills. 

Recognizing and managing emotions, along with empathizing with others, are key to personal and professional success. 

Schools need to prioritize emotional intelligence, integrating it into the curriculum to help students comprehend their feelings and build strong, supportive relationships. 

This approach not only enhances overall well-being but also prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Schools should focus more on fostering emotional intelligence (EQ) in children. This means teaching kids how to recognize, understand, and manage their emotions, as well as how to empathize with others. 

Programs that incorporate mindfulness, conflict resolution, and social skills should be an integral part of the curriculum. 

A child who can manage their emotions is better equipped to face challenges both in and out of the classroom.

Also read: Top 10 Traits for High-Performing Students to discover the qualities that can help your child excel academically and personally.

Breaking Down the Barrier Between Subjects

Do you recall the strict division between subjects like math, science, and literature? While these boundaries made sense on paper, they often limited our understanding of how these subjects intersect in the real world.

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Remember how math, science, and literature were taught as separate islands? This strict division might have made sense in theory, but it often missed how these subjects connect in the real world. 

Imagine if, instead of isolated lessons, students saw how math applies to science experiments, or how literary themes intersect with historical events. 

Breaking down these barriers can make learning more engaging and show students the real-world relevance of what they’re studying. 

This approach helps them understand how different fields overlap and enrich their overall knowledge.

Encouraging Collaboration Over Competition

In the old days, school was often a competitive battlefield. We were constantly pitted against your peers, whether in academics, sports, or extracurricular activities. 

While a little competition can be healthy, too much of it can breed stress, anxiety, and a toxic environment.

How can we create a school environment for our children that fosters collaboration and support rather than just competition?

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Imagine a classroom where students aren’t just competing for the top spot but are teaming up to tackle challenges together. 

Group projects, peer tutoring, and cooperative learning activities can transform learning into a dynamic experience where kids learn the art of teamwork and problem-solving. 

Just like in the real world, where success often depends on working well with others, schools should reflect this reality. 

Let’s shift the focus from individual victories to collective achievements, and watch our children thrive in an environment that mirrors the collaborative spirit they’ll need in the future.

Greater Focus on Mental Health and Well-being

Back when you were in school, mental health was rarely, if ever, discussed. If you were feeling overwhelmed, the typical response was to “push through it” or “get over it.” 

Fast forward to 2024, and we’ve learned that mental health is just as crucial as physical health for overall well-being and academic success.

This is 2024! Here Are The Things Schools Should Change:

Imagine a school where mental health gets the same priority as physical fitness. Picture trained counselors available to support students, stress management workshops integrated into the curriculum, and a nurturing environment where kids feel safe to share their feelings. 

By making mental health a top priority, schools can help students build resilience, enhance their learning experience, and support their personal growth. 

After all, a child who feels mentally well is more likely to excel both in and out of the classroom.

It’s time to move beyond “toughing it out” and create a supportive, thriving environment for every student.

Also Read: Top 10 Traits For High-Performing Students

Conclusion

It's clear that our education system needs a refresh to truly prepare our children for the future. 

Prioritizing personalization in academics, parents can indeed create a learning environment that’s both engaging and supportive. As we push for these changes, remember that every step towards a better education system starts with you. It’s crucial to address the things schools should change to make meaningful improvements in your child. 

Ready to prepare them for a successful future? Mentor Match can help you find the right guidance and resources to ensure your child thrives academically and personally. 

Together, let’s push for the things schools should change to make the classroom a place where every student can shine.