Education priorities to help young people shape Africa’s future

Today’s young people are navigating a world that is changing fast. From advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to the impacts of climate change and global politics, they’re preparing not just to face uncertainty – but to shape what comes next. How effectively they do this will depend in part on their education, which has a crucial role in equipping students with the skills, knowledge and behaviours to thrive in the future.

Education is always evolving, but at this time of profound global change, we must keep asking ourselves if it is keeping pace. That’s what prompted theInternational Educationgroup at Cambridge University Press & Assessment to undertake a large-scale research study with over 3,000 teachers and almost 4,000 students across 150 countries, including in Africa, to find out how they are experiencing education today. Several priorities emerged in thePreparing Learners to Thrive in a Changing Worldstudy, highlighting a high degree of common thinking among students and teachers globally about where more action is needed in education to help students be ‘future-ready’.

Subject knowledge should be valued more in the AI era – not less In an age where AI can deliver information within seconds, attitudes to the importance of subject knowledge are shifting. When presented with a list of skills categories, knowledge and values, both teachers (81%) and students (73%) considered subject knowledge to be critical for students’ next step in education, but subject knowledge was the least selected option by both teachers and students when considering what is important for life beyond education. This suggests that subject knowledge is often seen as a short-term asset for passing exams or progressing to higher education, rather than a lifelong asset.

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However, AI is not a shortcut to knowledge – and a solid foundation of subject knowledge is critical in helping students spot misinformation and use AI effectively. To thrive, students need future-ready competencies such as adaptability and critical thinking – and here, subject knowledge and skills go hand in hand. We need to help students see that subject knowledge is something concrete they will draw on in the future, enabling them to assess information critically and make informed decisions.

Help students develop stronger self-management skills Developing self-management skills– such as the ability to focus, prioritise tasks and regulate behaviour –emerged as a critical factor in helping students prepare for the future and adapt to changes in how we live and work. These skills can also solve some of the challenges created by digital technology, helping students to set boundaries for device use. While technology is embraced as a benefit to both teaching and learning, 70% of teachers said digital distraction and reduced attention span are challenges that technology creates in preparing students for the future.

Students also voiced concerns about how their use of technology might affect them, with 66% worrying that they get distracted easily and 59% worrying about excessive screen time. It’s clear that students would benefit from having moreopportunities to practise self-managementinschool,not only to strengthen their focus but also to build resilience and help them deal with stress and anxiety.If students feel better able to manage themselves today, we are empowering them to manage new situations in the future.

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