there is no virtue like necessity aka future of formal education

there is no virtue like necessity

aka
future of formal education
discussion panel

Vernall + McMurray + Sobociński + Castro

ABSTRACT:

It is hardly a groundbreaking discovery to claim that times change or that necessity is the mother of invention. However, even the most obvious truism depicts the world as it is or will be in the near future. As Shakespeare wrote, “Teach thy necessity to reason thus: There is no virtue like necessity” (Richard II, Act 1, Scene 3). For this reason, it seems necessary to consider the education in Kuwait and the Gulf. What does modern education require? What challenges are we going to face in the near future? How should we organise education in schools/colleges/universities which cater for hundreds or even thousands of students at a time?

Invited guests from local institutions will share their ideas, encountered issues, good practices, and solutions on:

effects of the pandemic on students, teachers, and technology
recent developments of AI and its global impact
constant evolution of education in our regional educational context
transformation of learner-centred approach
role of educational leadership and continuous teacher development

Although the topics presented above seem to relate to different facets of the education industry, the expected answers should have a combined and direct impact on the way we manage our educational institutions, our teachers, our students, and our teaching principles. As the Swan of Avon advises, “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late” (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act 2, Scene 2) or as the Chinese phrase it, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." The time to embrace the future of education in Kuwait and the Gulf is upon us, and the panellists are invited to share their expertise with the audience.

The audience will be invited to ask questions to the panellists.