The increasing politicization of education and its departure from classical educational principles.
Joana Williams, British writer, commentator and MCC fellow, shares important thoughts about how education is changing within the framework of a podium discussion with Enikő Szakos, researcher of the Learning Institute. They talk about why learning is important, how technology affects education, and how schools and families can work together better.
Education is crucial for society: „Education is very important for society, especially for young people. „ - said Williams. She doesn't agree with the idea that education should only prepare students for jobs. She thinks learning has value on its own. That knowledge and information are not the same. Just because we can find information on the internet doesn't mean we understand it. - „Google can give you facts, but it can't explain why those facts matter. „ - Williams believes education should help students understand the meaning and importance of information.
The participants agree that traditional knowledge is still important today. Most jobs like doctors, lawyers, and electricians haven't changed much over the years. „Knowing history and great literature is still important. It won't go out of date.„ - highlighted Williams. This shows that classic educ
ation is valuable even in today's tech-driven world. Humans are still needed to make sense of information from AI.
Joanna Williams and Enikő Szakos talk about the relationship between families and schools. They worrie that schools sometimes take over roles that belong to parents, especially regarding sensitive topics like gender identity. - „Sometimes, schools don't tell parents about important things happening with their children." – They agreed, that teachers should focus on teaching, while parents should stay involved in their child's education.
In the end of the discussion the participants highlight the need for a balanced education that values learning, respects human judgment, and encourages cooperation between schools and families. They call for a re-evaluation of educational priorities considering new technologies and societal changes.
