Social Effect of Learning

Went to a discussion led by Secondary Futures about the social effects of schooling a week or so back. Dr Tom Schuller from OECD was present and was able to link our education system into what was happenig in other places.
There was a small turnout which was a surprise.

Two observations

1. Everyone thinks they are at the cutting edge of education. Most are not; including me.
2. Most think the new curriculum will make a difference. But will it? It appears that most of new curriculum was in the old one. A better structure, better terminology and more coherence. But are we just 'shuffling the deck chairs'.

What is important is what goes on in classrooms. I still see words, phrases and ideas in the curriculum that belong to last century and I do not see big ideas reaching forward into this century.

Regarding the social effect of learning. A comment by Schuller was that there is "an enormous range of evidence that confirms the very strong correlation between educational achievement
and outcomes such as good health or more active citizenship". The importance of education then is not only to allow our learners to make choices about career and employment; but it also means they are more healthy and more active citizens.

This raises huge importance about our role as educators and what we must do. It is not simply about teaching for employment but about teaching for life and living.

Educated people are more healthy and live longer.