In recent times, one arena that has become the victim of excessive future visualization is the field of education. The undermining concept in mapping the future of any field is the data upon which visualization has been based. Educators, who have been around for a long time, are actually perplexed by the rapid pace at which the world is changing around them. But are children as concerned as we are? I would say NO. As a consequence of the fears we are conjuring up in our heads, we are visualizing an apocalyptic future. This is leading us to rely on Proven Past Experiments as our guiding principles for predicting their future, which could steer children toward linear career paths. This superhero mindset of safeguarding their future is actually jeopardizing their real future. All I see is a disconnect between the fearful futuristic narratives and the creative perspectives of kids.
The future is not a dimension onto which we can climb, predict, and make constructive decisions. The future is a summation of collective actions we take today, which affect future generations. As long as educators hold students’ hands and don’t allow them to participate in decision-making and problem-solving or accept their collaboration in their work, we are not even qualified to envision their future. The machine world is moving towards autonomy, but the human world is not even close to being semi-autonomous. A true educator must understand the significance of autonomy in the classroom. Introduce guided autonomy into teaching, assessments, and so on. By doing this, we can see how students become responsible through the freedom you give them.
Next time when you are ready to teach a concept in your class, just pause for a second and give children a metaphorical example of the concept, and see if the students can come closer to understanding it. Give them this creative liberty, and you will be amazed by the way students respond to the metaphor. From there, it is the educators who connect with the concept. I am sure you must have felt the same way when your teacher gave you this chance when you were a student. Ask students if they want to take an exam without an invigilator; I am sure at least 75% would see it as an opportunity to boost their morale. Of course, 25% would try to satisfy us with marks. As educators, we should feel free to ask for help from students in using digital tools in the teaching-learning process. I am sure they will guide us in the best possible way and don’t forget, this is an ego-free ecosystem.
It is okay to be vulnerable in front of your students. It will help us become the best versions of ourselves. This creative liberty and exposing our vulnerabilities are our first steps into their world. We need to have trust in the universe, as it guided us in our times as students. Surely, it will do the same for them as well.
