What is Trending in Adult Education Today?

One of the most significant trends that is present today in the post-secondary environment is the changing art of pedagogy itself. There are changes in how we teach, how we measure the learning, and how we recognize the learning.

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The article entitled “What’s trending in post-secondary education?” written by Linda White in September 2015 whereby she interviews Ken Steele, who is a well-respected Canadian think-tank on higher education, to get his input on the changes in the sector. In the article Mr. Steele identifies the following trends: self-paced flexible learning, interactive learning, work-integrated learning, and new ways of measuring achievement (e.g. co-curricular and badging transcripts).

In my expertise, working in the scheduling field for the last two years at UBC, I agree with Mr. Steel's analysis, as I can see these trends emerging within our own university setting. One such particular trend is the design of the learning environment – the classroom itself. Instructors are modifying and redefining on how they teach in the classroom. They are brining in different technologies and tools to engage students and enhance the learning. For example, there is a huge demand for video conferencing and lecture capture services, so that the students at both campuses (Point Grey and Okanagan) can share the same lecture.

There is also a sudden surge for flexible learning within the assigned classroom space. A faculty member may want to teach part of the course in the traditional format (tables and chairs facing the front of the room), but at some point throughout the lecture, change the seating arrangement so that students can formulate into small teams for group learning (i.e. learning pods). This means that the physical infrastructure of the classroom needs to be able to accommodate this change in learning. As more and more instructors move towards this engaging style of learning – the Scheduling Office faces an increasing challenge; we don’t have the quantity of this type of space to accommodate all the incoming requests. We try out best to meet all the needs – but it is an uphill battle, considering the increased demand.

However, realizing that the way we teach is changing, UBC, like many other institutions across Canada, are dedicating resources into the design of future classrooms to encourage active and collaborative learning. At UBC, we have established two Learning Spaces Advisory Committees (one operational, one strategic) to work together collectively and see how we can best utilize the space we have, as well as develop a sound strategy for future space planning. Which makes me think... trends usually come and go.... but I truly believe this change in teaching will be a trend that will be here to stay.

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/09/21/whats-trending-in-post-secondary-education