Is Relevant Learning the Path to Freedom?

In an Op-Ed by Nugzar B. Ruhadze, the author argues that the educational system in Georgia is struggling to keep pace with the demands of the 21st century. The author asserts that the current system is preparing students for a world that no longer exists, and the task of reforming education in Georgia is monumental, but the cost of inaction is far greater.

The predominant idea in Georgia is that the relevant education of its younger generation is crucial for the country to become a developed nation. The author suggests a curriculum that integrates digital literacy, data analysis, and ethical reasoning across all subjects in Georgia's educational system.

In the United States, the school system is based on the K-12 structure, from kindergarten to 12th grade, divided into elementary, middle, and high school. Students in the United States can attend free public schools, private schools, or opt for homeschooling. In Georgia, compulsory education is provided for primary and basic education. Schools are now called public, following the Bologna Process, a Western academic cooperation among EU member countries.

However, many classrooms in Georgia still operate on a factory-style approach, emphasizing standardized testing, rote memorization, and uniform learning paths. This methodology, largely unchanged from a century ago, is perceived as not being compatible with contemporary demands of real life. The main concern of parents in Georgia is preparing their children for the future in the era of technological boom, digital catastrophe, and AI development.

The author proposes initiatives to modernize education for adapting to contemporary socio-economic standards of the 21st century. These reforms focus on enhancing skill development aligned with current economic demands, including digital literacy, innovation, and vocational training modernization. The goal is to prepare students for the evolving labor market.

The author urges for the dismantling of outdated structures and building an educational system in Georgia that is dynamic, adaptable, and forward-thinking. The author argues that an effective education should equip students to work alongside AI, understand its ethical implications, and leverage its power for innovation.

In the United States, the nation is struggling to find solutions to improve education, with a focus on teaching English and computer skills. The state budget in Georgia allocates only 7.5 percent for educational purposes. The author asserts that the current educational system is preparing students for a world that no longer exists, and the cost of inaction is far greater than the effort required to reform the system.

The First of September, traditionally the first day of school after summer, has been moved to September 15 in Georgia. This change, while minor, could be a step towards a more adaptable and forward-thinking educational system. The author calls for continued efforts to modernize education in Georgia, ensuring that the country's younger generation is equipped to thrive in the 21st century.