The education sector has seen a lot of ups and downs during the past year. For instance, last year’s top trends were artificial intelligence, statewide budget cuts to public education, a rise in DEI initiatives, and a growing demand for customised and adaptive learning. Many of the same themes are projected to be prominent in 2024, along with a few fresh surprises.

Our top projections for the education sector in 2024 are as follows:

1. A rise in models of hybrid learning

We believe that as more companies adopt a similar hybrid model, hybrid learning models will become even more common in the upcoming year.

Numerous educational institutions across are integrating technology into their curricula as a result of the ongoing advancements in this field. Schools all throughout the world are centralizing technology in the classroom, whether it’s through managing assignments with Google Classroom and Canvas or assigning Chromebooks.

As educational technology becomes more widely available, new possibilities for a hybrid learning approach present themselves. Students who reside in rural locations, those with chronic illnesses or disabilities, or those without dependable transportation may find this useful. Also, it frees teachers from the interruptions of classroom management to interact with a larger number of pupils.

2. Substantial adjustments to reading instruction

We project that reading instruction will become more standardized by 2024 and place more of an emphasis on foundational skills like phonics as opposed to sight reading and context clues.

Public school curricula are increasingly incorporating the Science of Reading, and some states are advocating for formal curricular requirements. A body of research known as “The Science of Reading” indicates the most practical, efficient, and approachable approach to teaching reading. This approach has five main areas of emphasis: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and understanding. States hope to improve reading comprehension and future students’ reading experiences by concentrating on these five areas, which will raise reading abilities by grade level.

3. Gamification

As technology becomes more widely used, we believe that gamification will continue to be important for student engagement in 2024.

Teachers are observing certain common problems in public schools after the post-pandemic return of students to their studies: a decline in students’ attention spans and comprehension skills. Many students felt disconnected from their education during the large learning slide that occurred during distant learning because they were not exposed to the routines and procedures of a traditional classroom.

Starting in 2020, it has proven especially problematic for students who are still learning to read and do simple maths. A large number of these pupils were deprived of the basic, efficient instruction they required.

Gamification is an excellent way to maintain students’ interest in and engagement with the material. It draws pupils in and eliminates the “chore” associated with studying. Better learning results than anticipated, like higher motivation, engagement, and participation in a more immersive educational experience, have actually been demonstrated by research. Gamification, in a nutshell, makes learning enjoyable!

4. Greater options for technical and professional education

Ultimately, we believe that additional job options outside of a four-year university degree will be investigated by our high school students. Due to the annual tuition increases at colleges around the nation and the widespread IT layoffs, trades will become a more appealing (and cost-effective) alternative.

Technical skills and professional preparation are becoming increasingly important components of high school education. In certain states, completing at least one credit in a technical education or career prep course is mandatory for public high school students. By giving high school students more assistance with their careers, technical schools and trades are becoming more appealing to students as four-year degrees. More options for technical and career education aid students in creating a four-year plan for following graduation. After graduation, this may enable individuals to succeed in the workforce more quickly.

5. More emphasis on STEM and soft skills

Soft skills should receive more attention this year, both in the classroom and online. Collaboration and communication are especially important for online learners.

Soft skills and social talents have also decreased as a result of the pandemic. Soft skills like flexibility, cooperation, problem-solving, and critical thinking are becoming more and more valuable in the workforce (source), so it’s better to get kids exercising them at a young age. Children are especially encouraged by online learning platforms to interact with their teachers and work together on group projects with their peers. Competitive group games or gamification can teach students time management, leadership, and teamwork.

Although there has been a renewed emphasis on STEM, it is still crucial for employment prospects. Growing exposure to an interest in STEM subjects might help children develop an interest in significant, in-demand occupations, as job prospects in numerous STEM sectors are booming.

What changes do you anticipate in schooling in 2024? Are there any items on this list that you intend to use for your business, product, or classroom? Tell us in the comments section below!