On Monday 29 January, the European Commission published a detailed prospective study on the future of school education in the European Union up to 2040. This study, based on contributions from over 80 experts, proposes four scenarios ranging from “standardised” and “flexible” approaches to “competitive” and “collaborative” conditions. The aim of these scenarios is to explore the future constraints on education and to define the future directions of education in the EU in response to societal and technological changes.
One major aspect highlighted by the Commission is the financing of education. The institution strongly recommends maintaining or increasing funding for influential programmes such as Erasmus+ and providing ongoing support for educational reforms in the Member States. This approach aims to ensure targeted investment and effective evaluation of education reforms across the EU.
The issue of inclusion of all learners is also addressed. The Commission is encouraging increased funding for research into policies aimed at reducing educational inequalities. It highlights the importance of monitoring progress in reducing gaps in educational attainment, particularly among students affected by various under-achievement factors.
With regard to digitalisation, the study acknowledges the significant progress made, but notes that much remains to be done to improve the adoption and usefulness of digital tools. The Commission suggests developing learning resources and improving platforms for teachers and schools to exchange digital experiences.
To improve teaching and learning methods, the Commission recommends in-depth analyses of winning practices and the production of methodological guides for school communities, to encourage more flexible and innovative teaching methods.
Finally, the study highlights the importance of developing innovative assessment methods, recognising the changes in the role and working conditions of teachers, promoting the benefits of using AI in education and encouraging interdisciplinary learning.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/anp (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)