Evolving a new paradigm in education appropriate to the needs of the 21st century

Education is our hope for a better future. As the Nobel Prize winner, Nelson Mandela said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the best-known instrument for promoting human rights, democracy, reducing poverty and creating a mindful social evolution. No human being can lead a dignified life and build its own identity without education. In today’s knowledge economies, it is a new currency for economic competitiveness, peace and prosperity. We live in the era of globalization and technology which is significantly transforming all aspects of our lives. However, the education as the most remarkable technology invented by man lags behind the modern technologies. New inventions emerge every day and instead of being a partner of these inventions, education remains static and modeled on decades’ old approach. A new paradigm in education is highly needed for addressing the rapid changes and pressing challenges humanity face nowadays. Education should not be part of the problem with these positive changes. It should not continue relying on the traditional model of teaching by simply memorizing the facts when the everyday smart phones provide direct access to a mountain of information.

Keywords: education, paradigm, changes, technology, globalization