I do not know whether the education system in other countries has changed. In Indonesia, many private universities struggle to attract new students during admissions. I pointed out this issue in the early 2010s, linking it to the “privatization” of state universities. After the government introduced the Legal-Entity Higher Education Institution (BHP), state universities gained the freedom to manage themselves. This allows them to enroll more students and charge different fees, creating tough competition for private universities.
To compete, private universities need to improve their systems, focusing on breakthroughs and innovation. They should consider the future skills needed by businesses and reform their education accordingly to attract more students. We can predict that the future of education demands a shift not only in teaching methodologies but also in the skills required by their students in the future. It also demand that their educators, administrators, and students have the required skills for the future innovation.
As the world faces rapid technological advancements, globalization, and unprecedented societal challenges, education systems must be reformed to address these changes and prepare learners for an uncertain future. Here are some of the key future-based skills that will be essential for education system reform.
In the future, technology will play a bigger role in education. Digital tools, AI, and machine learning have changed how schools are managed and how lessons are taught. Teachers need to learn more about technology, not just to use it, but to make it part of the curriculum. Solving the issue of unequal access to technology will also be a key part of education reform.
Critical thinking will be one of the most important skills. As the world of work changes, students need to learn how to analyze information, consider different views, and think independently. Problem-solving is also vital, as students must be prepared for jobs that don’t exist yet. Many industries will need flexible thinkers who can handle complex problems. Schools should include real-world problem-solving in their lessons to build these skills.
Globalization has brought people and industries closer together, making collaboration and communication key skills. Schools need to teach students how to work in multicultural teams, especially as remote work and international partnerships become common. Teamwork, peer learning, and projects that encourage communication will help students develop these skills.
As technology and society change rapidly, creativity will be crucial. Schools must encourage students to think creatively and come up with new ideas to solve the challenges of tomorrow. This means changing how students are assessed, moving away from memorization and toward valuing creative solutions and original thinking.
The future job market will be unpredictable. Automation, AI, and global competition will change many industries. Because of this, students and teachers must be ready to adapt and keep learning throughout their lives. Education reform should focus on building flexibility and the ability to quickly learn new skills.
Emotional intelligence and empathy will become more important as technology takes over many tasks. These human skills are essential for collaboration, resolving conflicts, and leadership. Schools should teach social and emotional learning to help students build strong relationships, manage stress, and make responsible choices.
Sustainability also need to be part of the future curriculum. With environmental challenges like climate change, students must learn how to live sustainably. Schools should teach Eco literacy—understanding the principles of ecology—and encourage students to take responsibility for the environment.
As the world becomes more connected, students need to develop a sense of global citizenship and ethical decisions. The education system should prepare students to think about how their actions affect the world. Issues related to privacy, AI, and bioengineering will require schools to teach moral responsibility and encourage civic engagement.
Reforming education to include these skills requires cooperation between educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Schools must adapt by integrating technology, promoting critical thinking, fostering creativity, and nurturing emotional intelligence. This will prepare students to succeed in a fast-changing world.Dr. Djuwari is an Associate Professor at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA) Indonesia. Surabaya, the editor of some research journals in the Philippines and Indonesia. He is also a journalist in some newspapers in Indonesia; the President of International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors, and Reviewers (IASPER), a small business owner of Djuw Café.
