Envisioning the Future of Education

The Future of Education: From Freedom to Freedom

History

In the vast timeline of Homo sapiens, spanning roughly 300,000 years, the concept of structured schooling is a recent phenomenon, occupying only the last approximately 5,000 years. A mere 1.67% of our history.

For the majority of human existence, learning was a natural, free, and self-directed process. Our ancestors’ children, living in foraging societies, learned through self-directed play and exploration. Anthropologists note that in hunter-gatherer societies, work and play were indistinguishable, essentially all of life was understood as play. Was it the epiphome of learning freedom?

The onset of agriculture changed everything. Children went from explorers to laborers. The first formal schools appeared around 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt and signaled the beginning of structured education, but for millennia this was a privilege accessible to only a select few, averaging about 3% of the population. In many parts of the world, formal education systems as we understand them today simply did not exist. Instead, learning was often informal, rooted in the transmission of practical skills and cultural knowledge within communities.

The school as we know it took shape under the guidance of the father of Western pedagogy, Jan Amos Komensky, in the 17th century, further formalizing education. Then, the Age of Enlightenment and Romanticism envisioned a world transformed through education for all. Fueled by Prussian compulsory schooling and supported by the models of burgeoning industrialization, the coercive methods of fields and factories infiltrated classrooms, redefining learning as a task to be enforced rather than as a natural, self-motivated process. No wonder, when mass education became a reality in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the anticipated utopia did not materialize. The First World War showed the ugly truth — mass education is not the answer to humanity’s problems. What went wrong?

In the wake of this question, educators like John Dewey, Anton Makarenko, Alexander Neill, Maria Montessori, and Rudolf Steiner introduced revolutionary ‘freestyle’ education models, aiming to restore the freedom and individuality in learning. While their methods impacted modern education, the essence of their philosophy — honoring the natural, self-driven learning instincts — has not been fully embraced by formal education systems.

Today, the educational environment is marked by longer school years, increased homework, reduced playtime, diminished teacher autonomy, and a dominance of standardized tests. Children spend more time in school and doing homework than adults at work, leading to a stressful and overwhelming experience. Children are kept in schools most of the daytime rather than being integrated into everyday public life. This evolution begs the question: Are we honoring the innate learning instincts of our youth, or have we strayed far from the freedom of learning that once defined our species?

For at least a century, there has been continuous discussion about educational reform, or better yet, disruption. Astonishingly, this change is ongoing. However, despite countless innovations over the last century, a pervasive sense remains that nothing truly changes. Why is this? The level of freedom remains unchanged. Freedom, as the most precious value, is still ensnared within the confines of the system. Many educational thinkers like Freire and Hooks advocated for education to be viewed as a practice of freedom.

Let’s take a closer look at it.

Harvard professor Richard Elmore conceptualized four learning modes, based on individual or collective focus, and hierarchical or free structures.

Hierarchical Individual: Like a classic classroom, students work solo for grades, led by teachers. It centers on personal success within a rigid system.

Hierarchical Collective: Similar to a team project under a leader. Collaboration happens, but under the leader’s direction.

Distributed Collective: Envision a leaderless group of friends learning together. Everyone contributes and supports each other. It’s collaborative without a fixed leader, valuing all inputs equally in an informal setting.

Distributed Individual: This resembles self-study, but with greater freedom. You choose your learning path, free from structured guidelines or teacher instructions. It’s about autonomous, self-directed learning.

Noticeably, Hierarchical models still prevail. The Distributed Collective is gradually making its way into education, while the Distributed Individual, although present in adult education, is often seen as a threat to traditional systems. Just think of the fact that in many democratic nations, deviation from public education is not only illegal but harshly penalized. This implies the state’s presumed superiority in education, criminalizing parents who opt for a more liberated upbringing (as seen in Germany). The irony is, many groundbreaking disciplines were pioneered by self-taught polymaths. Yet, educators, employers, policymakers, and the general public often undervalue independent learning outside formal systems. This skepticism seems paradoxical, especially when reflecting on self-learners like Leonardo Da Vinci, whose self-driven exploration and inspiration left the world in awe. His approach, though globally admired, is rarely considered a viable model for today’s youth.

The freedom for independent learning remains a closely guarded state bastion, yet signs indicate its eventual decline, probably sooner than we anticipate. I will highlight a few such indicators.

The educational crisis, as any complex problem will be solved due to inner and our factors, which are all related to freedom.

Outer factors

Emancipation through Artificial Intelligence tools

The booming creator economy exemplifies this. Imagine when not hundreds of millions, but billions utilize these AI tools. What does it mean? It boosts personal agency on an unprecedented scale. The internet’s advent has already made self-learning more accessible than ever. But AI elevates this accessibility to new heights.

AI tools are democratizing knowledge and skill acquisition, breaking down traditional barriers. They empower individuals, enhancing their ability to learn, create, and innovate independently. This shift doesn’t just change how we learn; it revolutionizes who gets to participate in knowledge creation and dissemination. With generative AI, the potential for a more informed, skilled, and creative global population is not just a dream. It’s becoming our reality. You may say, it sounds exactly like the dream of the Enlightenment thinkers. Indeed.

But do I dare to hope? Unlike the advent of mass education, which couldn’t prevent two world wars and numerous civil wars since then, AI, free from human judgment, actually might make us better humans. There’s a palpable chance. Today’s teenagers find chatting with chatbots not only helpful but also illuminating in understanding themselves and improving communication. Could this be a subtle shift towards a more empathetic, self-aware society? If AI, (largely) untainted by human biases, guides us, perhaps we’ll witness a decrease in conflicts and an increase in understanding and tolerance.

The “massive extinction” of teachers

Currently we are on the cusp of a seismic shift in education. First, consider the impending retirement of the largest generation of baby boomers. Then, factor in the global exodus of teachers from the profession worldwide.

Not just any educators, but the most passionate and skilled among them, seeking refuge in private or alternative schools, or, in some cases, leaving the vocation altogether in search of entirely different careers. A staggering 90% of educators are raising alarms, as noted by the National Education Association. The root cause of this problem lies in the excessive bureaucracy that dominates and standardizes schools and teaching methods from above, leaving little room for creativity and spontaneity. Many educators are driven away from the profession due to this lack of freedom and the inability to design and innovate.These developments seem to naturally compel states to reevaluate their educational structures. The system will have to reinvent itself.

The growing variety of innovative schools

Across the globe, innovative schools are sprouting up like wildflowers. Some innovate within formal frameworks, while many others embrace a free and unconventional approach. These new learning institutions attract enthusiastic and talented educators eager to experiment without constraints. I refrain from naming any specific schools to avoid omission, as the list is both long and impressive.

If you analyze the trends in these innovative schools, they all point to a shift towards freedom in learning:

1.Personalized Learning: Adapting teaching to meet individual student needs.

2.Digital Integration: Extensive use of online tools and platforms for education.

3.Learner Autonomy: Encouraging students to lead their own educational journey.

4.Dynamic Assessment: Replacing traditional grades with ongoing, feedback-oriented evaluations.

5.Multilingual Education: Increasing use of at least two major languages in teaching.

6.Thoughtful Design: Enhancing learning through carefully designed school environments.

7.Hybrid Learning: Merging online and in-person learning for a balanced approach.

8.Active Learning: Emphasizing student participation in building their own understanding.

9.Unique Curricula: Schools creating their own curricula, independent of traditional standards.

10.Community Engagement: Involving families and communities for holistic development.

Historically, the new methodologies of educational innovators had an immense impact on formal education. Even though it took about 100 years for Montessori and Waldorf schools to become somewhat mainstream and prestigious, today the impact of progressive tendencies is much faster — simply due to the interconnectedness of our world.

The rise of alternative education forms like homeschooling, unschooling and worldschooling

Another massively growing educational trend is the desire among parents to provide more personalized, flexible, and diverse learning experiences for children. Each of these forms has distinct characteristics and philosophies:

Homeschooling involves educating children at home, tailored to their interests and pace, often due to dissatisfaction with traditional schools or a preference for a different educational approach.

Unschooling extends this, focusing on a child-led, experience-based learning without a set curriculum, trusting in the child’s natural curiosity.

Worldschooling blends education with travel, where families use global experiences as dynamic learning opportunities, emphasizing hands-on knowledge of cultures, languages, and history.

But what drives parents to seek alternative education methods? The number of factors are: technological advancements that make personalized learning more accessible, a desire to prepare children for an interconnected world, recognition of the need for individualized learning approaches, families seeking flexibility in lifestyle and education, and growing dissatisfaction with traditional schooling systems. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread acceptance of online learning formats fueled the worldwide growth of “freestyle” education.

It’s challenging to find comprehensive global statistics on alternative forms of education like unschooling and worldschooling. However, for homeschooling, the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) from the USA reports that prior to 2020, there were approximately 2.5 million homeschooling students. By 2022, this number had risen to about 3.15 million students. The modern homeschooling movement, emerging in the 1970s, has since blossomed into a global phenomenon, particularly gaining prominence in Asian countries in recent years. This reflects a significant shift in parental priorities and educational philosophies. Experiencing rapid growth, the movement has seen a substantial uptake in countries like India, where approximately 2.7 million children are now receiving quality education at home.

People used to traditional education methods might feel uneasy about these new trends in learning. However, as the renowned scholar Peter Gray points out, self-directed education isn’t a radical idea; it’s rooted in our very DNA. We’re all born with four powerful, innate drives: curiosity, playfulness, sociability, and planfulness. These aren’t just whimsical traits; they are fundamental components encoded in our genetic blueprint, finely tuned by evolution to serve the very purpose of education. So why do we resist what nature has so elegantly designed for us?

Thus, the tectonic shift is happening here and now, and it will lead to unprecedented outcomes in the future. Old methods are fading away as new, groundbreaking approaches emerge. At the forefront of this revolution is the empowerment through new technologies, a sweeping reduction in conventional teaching roles, the flourishing of innovative schools, and a surge in alternative educational models.

What is the next step? Where is this movement heading to?

To me, it’s obvious — back to the roots, to the freedom of learning!

Global Liberation of Learning

I envision the global liberation of learning as follows:

The Decline of State-Dominated Education

Despite the efforts of nation-states to maintain control over their citizens’ education, this approach is gradually becoming ineffective. Echoing the wisdom of the renowned polymath Buckminster Fuller, who said, ‘You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete,’ a transformative model of education is on the rise. This emerging paradigm isn’t just challenging the old ways; it’s rendering them obsolete, paving the way for a new era in learning.

Emergence of tailored education ecosystem

A vast array of learning forms and institutions will emerge, tailored to meet the diverse needs, passions, and ambitions of individuals. This vibrant educational ecosystem will surpass our wildest expectations, offering options that today we can scarcely conceive. As the grip of centralized education loosens, the push for diversity will grow stronger, and states will recognize the necessity of abandoning the outdated one-size-fits-all model in favor of one that honors the uniqueness of each learner.

The Evolution of the Teacher’s Role

The archetype of a teacher is set for a complete overhaul. Gone will be the days of a traditional instructor leading from the front of the classroom. In their place, we will witness the rise of learning coaches, guides, tutors, and facilitators, each playing a pivotal role in sculpting the educational experience. This shift marks a significant departure from convention, heralding a new era where education is more personalized, interactive, and student-centered.

The Gift of Time and Community Engagement

As children and youth gain greater autonomy in their education, they will find themselves with more time to immerse in community life. This newfound freedom will not only enrich their learning experience but also deepen their connection with humanity, allowing them to savor the joys of being an active part of both local and global communities.

Seamless Learning in the AI Age

With advanced technology simplifying access to information, learning will integrate naturally into daily life. This change encourages more real-world exploration and less time tethered to school desks. Children will benefit from increased outdoor activities, exploration, and travel (including virtual travel), expanding their learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

The Future of Higher Education

As of now, there are approximately 250 million students enrolled in higher education worldwide. This number is projected to significantly increase, reaching about 594 million by the year 2040. At the same time, the global increase in PhD graduates has outstripped the growth of available academic positions.

Contrary to the belief that technology might dull the collective intellect, the reality could be starkly different. The rapid and relentless pace of technological advancement doesn’t dampen the need for education; rather, it amplifies the demand for a workforce that is more knowledgeable, more adaptable, and more adept than ever before. Another question is how much workforce will be needed? Yet, with AI poised to trim the expanse of our working hours, there emerges a valuable opportunity to indulge in the finer pursuits of human activity. A robust education, fostering an understanding of our interconnected world, will not be merely advantageous but essential. As it stands, the future of higher education will see further growth, but first, it must redefine itself in the same way as schooling.

So, how exactly will education change?

This question should be re-evaluated in light of the growing impact of AI. For those who were hoping that AI would allow us to study less, I have some important news: in order to use these powerful tools effectively, we will need more than just the usual higher-order thinking skills, such as: analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Even the metacognitive skills like planning, evaluating, reflecting, and adjusting may not be sufficient.

We will need the ultimate ‘super-skills’, such as:

1. Rapid Depth: Polymaths excel in quickly understanding complex topics deeply, linking diverse ideas to enhance cognitive flexibility and brain adaptability.

2. PolyScope: This skill involves a multifaceted perspective across disciplines, crucial for comprehending complex, interdependent systems.

3. Concept Blend: A natural, untrained ability in polymaths to creatively merge ideas from various fields, sparking unique problem-solving and innovative thinking.

   
   

This means learning more, and learning more deeply. Rather than just learning to prepare for tests, children should learn to philosophize, ask the right questions, and be curious multidisciplinary thinkers. Rather than only drilling for spelling and grammar and focusing on math, students should focus on incorporating more conceptual learning (core concepts and superconcepts) balanced by experiential learning through theater, music, dance, handcrafts, martial arts, meditation, and interactions with nature.

In fact, we will need to go back to the roots of civilization and incorporate the learning techniques of the ancient Indians, Greeks, and Chinese, by embracing observation, philosophical contemplation, idea exploration, and collaboration — activities that challenge us to think deeply and question the world around us.

This profound engagement with the world will take us to a new level. But why stop there? By experimenting with AI tools and exploring their vast potential, we can unlock new perspectives and generate knowledge that is as boundless as the universe itself. However, in order to discover these new possibilities, we must have the curiosity and vision to seek them out. This is a very polymathic approach indeed!

Polymathic Learning: Leading the Charge

Polymaths. They are individuals with expertise spanning multiple, diverse domains, showcasing a vast array of abilities and interests. Human nature has always gravitated towards extensive knowledge acquisition, a trait as ancient as self-learning. For a brief spell, about the last 150 years, specialization reigned supreme. Previously, knowledge acquisition was holistic, mastery defined by proficiency in multiple disciplines. Polymaths, historically lauded for their optimal learning strategies, excel in assimilating extensive information, processing it effectively, and innovating new knowledge. Would adopting their strategies be wise? I would say it’s essential.

Moreover, the polymathic approach cultivates a broad perspective, understanding of interconnections, and collaborative spirit, crucial for tackling future challenges.

Curiosity, depth and polyskill define the polymathic learning style, central to future educational frameworks. This shift to self-directed, unrestricted learning, amplified by technological advancements, ushers in an era of heightened knowledge and enriched life quality.

In March 2021, the U.S. government’s National Intelligence Council, which predicted a Covid pandemic in 2017, released a 150-page Global Trends 2040 report, warning that the “chaotic and unstable” 2030s will be gripped by famine and unrest. This document outlined reasons for concern in virtually all areas of life. It warned that the effects of climate change may exacerbate food and water insecurity in poor countries and accelerate global migration. It also says that while health and education have improved in recent decades, it will be difficult to sustain such progress because of negative factors triggered by pandemics, aging populations, and “potentially slower global economic growth.” The report noted that advances in technology could solve problems, including climate change and disease, but could also provoke new tensions: “State and non-state rivals will compete for leadership and dominance in science and technology with risks with potentially cascading effects and implications for economic, military and social security.”

Some of it is already happening. If this scenario is to continue, the world needs many more people whose intellectual capacities, interests, and activities extend beyond one specialization. Such people are needed to develop groundbreaking innovative solutions, to quickly collaborate on a high-level of mutual understanding. This is what polymaths do by naturally connecting different cultural and professional communities. We have to start “growing” well-rounded and well-equipped personalities at the point of primary education.

We have to start supporting literally everyone who is willing to diversify their skills and knowledge, because we will need this polymathic skill set to combat extreme challenges.

If mankind takes another route and develops a more positive outlook for the future, the rising need for polymaths will still persist, because the 21st century is all about blurring boundaries. Our life has reached a new level in interconnectedness. There is a constant search for new forms of coexistence, whether it be people with one another, people with technology, people with nature… the ability to see beyond one’s boundaries, eco-systemic thinking, and cognitive flexibility — all typically polymathic abilities — will be key skills in the next decades.

Other new and old foundations

AI fluency

In this future landscape, AI fluency will ascend to the same level of importance as basic literacy and numeracy. Traditional emphases, such as handwriting and advanced mathematics, will recalibrate to reflect contemporary needs. Mathematics, for instance, may be streamlined to basic arithmetic for most students, reserving advanced levels for those particularly interested. Why?

Enhanced cognitive abilities

Traditionally, proficiency in math has been synonymous with strong logical thinking and versatility in various professions. Yet, I contend that cultivating skills such as philosophical reasoning and conceptual learning lays a more robust foundation for advanced cognitive abilities. These are the skills that truly need to be honed if humanity is to effectively collaborate with AI.

Connectivism

One of the most integral parts of future learning will be Connectivism, a modern learning theory, endorses the concept that learning is a process of connecting varied ideas and information. It leverages technology’s central role in education and our perpetual connectivity to augment personalization and choice in learning. This approach encourages collaborative and collective learning through digital means, promoting diverse viewpoints and shared problem-solving.

Complexity literacy

Complexity literacy is essential in future education. It empowers students to engage with intricate systems and relationships, enhancing their understanding of the dynamic interplay within these systems. This is crucial. It helps understand the interplay of different elements within these systems. Learners become equipped to handle uncertainty and ambiguity.

Futures Literacy

As uncertainty and supercomplexity escalate, the demand for Futures Literacy will surge. This skill, championed by UNESCO, empowers one to understand, envision, and interact with potential futures. It’s about questioning the hidden assumptions within our current and historical frameworks that mold our visions and strategies for the future. Why is this skill invaluable? Adopting a long-term view allows individuals to reinterpret the present, enhancing their sense of agency, empowerment, and resilience.

Conceptual learning

In-depth Learning based on mastering concepts and superconcepts prioritizes understanding the principles and methods of different knowledge fields over merely acquiring vast amounts of information. This conceptual approach to learning is fundamental in cultivating genuine comprehension.

Philosophy

The revival of philosophy, traditionally the bedrock of all academic disciplines, will be significant in future education. Its role as a tool for developing critical thinking skills will be emphasized, particularly through the ‘philosophizing with children’ method. This method, introduced in the 1970s, has significantly improved cognitive skills in different areas of the curriculum.

New Humanism

With the rise of AI mankind will have to redefine itself — What is human? What is our role in this new era? This evolution alongside AI will emphasize ‘beingness’ — a deep connection with the human condition that prioritizes our intrinsic nature over acquired knowledge. Learners will incorporate reflecting on themselves, as well as on the learned, relationships, non-violent communication, and ultimately — love and compassion.

The AI revolution has already sparked a thirst for authentic, human experiences. This can be seen in the resurgence of small businesses, where the personal touch is valued, and in the popularity of handcrafted items that are truly unique. Jobs that require the human touch, physical presence, and complex thinking may very well experience an increase in demand. However, in order to effectively collaborate with AI, we will need strategic competencies — this brings us back to the transformation of education. We will need to cultivate ‘super-skills’ to maintain a leading position. No, AI will not leave humanity in the dust. Instead, it will inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves, unlocking new opportunities for growth and excellence.

Distributive Individual: The Future’s Forefront

A seismic shift in future education points towards self-directed learning as the primary mode. AI-empowered, the distributive individual mode of learning is destined to dominate, enabling personalized education for children, youth, and adults. This mode democratizes education, making it more accessible and tailored to individual curiosities and learning paths. At its essence, self-directed learning fundamentally transforms the learner into the subject of education, rather than remaining merely its object.