Is Classical Model of Education Losing its Relevance?

The modern labor market is rapidly changing following technological development, and requirements for skills and competencies are growing. Skills that are not always developed within the framework of classical education are increasingly valued, and they often require a more practical and interactive approach to learning. The recent changes in understanding of classical educational model is the main topic of the new issue of trendletters, produced as part of a joint project of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center and the UNESCO Futures Studies Chair (UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs network).

For reference: This series of trendletters continues the practice of publishing reviews of global technological trends since 2014 and presents a unique database of global trends and challenges in the field of human development. This research of the HSE ISSEK is based on the results of iFORA Big Data System, the Delphi survey (with the participation of more than 400 leading foreign and Russian scientists), expert sessions and interviews.  

By 2030, more than 1 billion jobs in the world will change under the influence of new technologies, and successful adaptation to new conditions in the labor market will require continuous training (Lifelong Learning) and improving people's professional competencies. It is expected that 40% of the basic skills for employees will change over the next 5 years, and in the 20-year perspective, digital literacy will become the main requirement for most jobs in all areas. Currently, in Russia, only 15% of the able-bodied population and 1% of pensioners are involved in additional education programs, whereas in developed countries – 40 and 5%, respectively. 

Despite the fact that education is one of the largest industries, accounting for about 6% of global GDP, it significantly lags behind the requirements of the labor market in terms of digitalization. At the same time, development of digital technologies in the field of education contributes to a significant increase in flexibility, sustainability and accessibility of training, the realization of the possibility of continuous training in the workplace. 

By 2030, the classical model of higher education and subsequent work in the specialty throughout life will finally lose its relevance. Almost ⅔ students who started school in 2016 will work in professions that do not yet exist. 

The new issue is available via the link 

Previous issues of trendletters can be found here.