Education cannot be optimized; education must always be redundant!

Education should revolve around the individual. The quality of the educational environment determines what kind of person someone will become and, therefore, shapes society as a whole.

On November 7, a new meeting within the Other Education project took place: “The Modern Educational Concept of Western Society.” During the report, Vitaliy Khromets, PhD, an expert in the development of educational legislation, highlighted key aspects of the personalization of education as an important stage in its evolution. He also discussed new teaching methods designed to meet individual student needs and modern educational requirements.

The report sparked a lively discussion among the educators and experts present. Several pressing issues were raised during the discussion, including:

• How can we bring back children currently studying abroad? How do we prevent losing those still in Ukraine but considering studying in other countries?
• The need to improve the quality of education in Ukraine, making it competitive and motivating young people to stay and study in Ukraine.
• The need to establish international scientific schools to integrate curricula, given that many Ukrainians now live and study in other countries.
• The necessity of retraining and changing employee specializations in line with the current needs of the Ukrainian economy.
• The importance of preserving and maintaining educational fields (including technology and engineering) that are currently in low demand but may grow significantly over time.
• The need to increase teacher autonomy, introduce more author-developed educational programs in schools and universities, and reduce bureaucracy in education.
• The dependence of education on the top political leadership.
• The challenge of creating attractive conditions for professionals to return from abroad.

The second part of the study, Other Education: The Modern Educational Concept of Western Society, covers the historical development of educational processes from antiquity to the present, demonstrating how educational goals and methods have evolved. Particular attention was given to the transition from traditional models to modern personalized approaches that consider each student’s individual needs.

The main theses and objectives of the second part of the study:

• Personalization of education – The study emphasizes the personalization of education as a key stage in its development.
• The concept of “Other Education” – The significance of “Other Education” in transforming the educational process is explored.
• Changing roles of students and teachers – Analyzes how the roles of students and teachers are evolving in the context of personalized education.
• New teaching methods and tools – Examines innovative teaching methods and tools that contribute to the personalization and individualization of education.
• Educational components and configuration – Considers how educational components are structured within a personalized learning framework.
• Progression of educational stages – Studies how educational stages progress in relation to the development of society, culture, and the economy.
• Processes and means of education – Explores the processes of learning, formation, upbringing, development, and training, as well as the means used to implement them.
• Tensions in education – Analyzes the challenges and tensions that arise from the personalization and individualization of learning.

Personalized education allows for the consideration of each child’s unique characteristics and needs, fostering their personal interests and abilities. This approach increases motivation, reduces the outflow of young people abroad, and helps cultivate competitive citizens who are prepared to face the challenges of a globalized world. The active participation of educators, officials, experts, and students in the event confirms the significance and timeliness of this topic.

Other Education is a project of the Ukrainian Institute for the Future in partnership with the Friends of Ukraine Foundation. It represents a new approach to education, aiming to create a high-quality, modern educational model that will help Ukraine build a progressive society.

We will announce the next meetings soon! Join us!