EDUCATION SECTOR
Compiled by Tamara Rebeira
A REVOLUTION IN LEARNING
G. S. Sylvester cites the nexus between education and societal progression
Q: What are the key challenges facing Sri Lanka’s education system?
A: They include the gap in resource allocation, leading to limited access to technology in certain regions.
Additionally, there’s a pressing need to develop a comprehensive national education policy that ensures a well-rounded curriculum – one that incorporates vocational skills and values, and is updated with the needs of the job market.
Another concern is the rise of assignment writing being outsourced, prompting the need to discourage students from relying on AI and other services – and instead, encourage originality and critical thinking.
Q: How do you see the role of technology and digital platforms shaping the future of education?
A: Technology and digital platforms are revolutionising education in numerous ways.
They enhance accessibility and inclusivity by bridging the gap between rural and urban schools, enabling students in remote areas to access quality educational content, lectures by qualified teachers worldwide and virtual labs for experimentation, thereby fostering a more equitable learning environment.
Moreover, technology facilitates personalised learning by tailoring education to individual student needs and pacing through adaptive learning platforms, which identify strengths and weaknesses.
It can also recommend personalised learning paths and activities, catering to diverse learning styles. This could be beneficial in Sri Lanka’s large classrooms.
Furthermore, educational games, simulations and virtual reality (VR) transform monotonous subjects into engaging and interactive experiences, boosting student engagement and motivation, consequently making learning more enjoyable and effective.
Digital tools also integrate essential future ready skills like critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration into the curriculum with VR simulations, providing students with opportunities to practise these skills in safe and virtual environments.
Q: What role do you believe education plays in addressing some of the challenges the country faces?
A: In Sri Lanka, education holds immense promise across various societal fronts; it fuels economic growth by nurturing a skilled workforce equipped with critical thinking, problem solving and technology, which in turn fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.
Moreover, education serves as a potent tool for poverty reduction, empowering individuals with better job prospects and financial literacy skills to improve their livelihoods.
It also fosters social cohesion and reconciliation, by promoting tolerance and understanding through exposure to diverse perspectives, potentially bridging ethnic and cultural divides.
Education plays a pivotal role in environmental sustainability by raising awareness about issues like climate change and pollution, thereby nurturing responsible citizenship among future generations.
And it contributes to peace and stability by equipping citizens with critical thinking skills, peaceful conflict resolution strategies and active civic participation, cultivating a more stable and democratic society.
Q: How do you perceive the nexus between education and marketing?
A: Educational institutions employ strategic marketing approaches to reach potential students effectively. Through informative brochures, engaging websites and targeted social media campaigns, they inform prospective students about their programmes, faculties, facilities and unique value propositions.
Much like businesses, these institutions strive to cultivate a strong brand identity that resonates with their target audience, whether emphasising innovation, social justice or a rich historical tradition.
They also establish themselves as thought leaders by producing valuable educational content such as blog posts, webinars or online courses, attracting prospective students and positioning themselves as trusted sources of knowledge.
By leveraging data and analytics, educational institutions can precisely target their marketing efforts to specific student demographics, be they working professionals seeking upskilling opportunities, recent high school graduates or international students, ensuring their message reaches the right audience at the right time.
Q: In your opinion, does Sri Lanka’s education system support or hinder the development of marketing professionals?
A: Marketing and entrepreneurship are often overlooked subjects in the current education system, despite their immense relevance across various disciplines.
It’s crucial to incorporate concepts such as branding into the curriculum as they hold broader significance and practical applicability.
For instance, understanding branding extends beyond corporate contexts – individuals should also grasp the concept of personal branding to present themselves effectively. Furthermore, concepts like nation branding, which involves promoting a country’s image and identity, are pertinent across diverse industries including tourism.
Integrating these subjects into education can better equip students with essential skills for navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.
